#REVIEW: “PROFILE”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

There are very few movies that can leave you shaken for weeks, even months. Profile is that movie. It is thought-provoking while shedding light on how even the strongest people can get sucked into a dark web, subjected to the terrors that come with it. Timur Bekmambetov directs and writes with Britt Poulton and Olga Kharina, bringing to life this incredibly harrowing story.

Amy (Valene Kane) is a reporter for a British paper as she goes undercover as a converted Muslim woman wanting to join ISIS to expose the recruiters and bring justice to the other woman who have been sucked into the propaganda. Amy becomes acquainted with their top recruiter, Abu Bilel Al-Britani (Shazad Latif) and she starts to see past the propaganda and develops an understanding with her recruiter. Profile is based on a true story, which makes the events of the Film more unnerving.

What makes Profile so thrilling is its wonderful performances.  Kane truly shines and as Amy as she is trying to balance her personal life, work life, and this new life she has created with her recruiter. When lines start to blur between these three things, her character changes bringing a very haunting realism to these true stories and will shake people to their core. Latif also is incredible in his role, as his character is calculated and manipulative.

Profile is truly eye-opening, shining a light on the horrifying reality how these recruiters infiltrate people’s lives and take over. With strong performances, and a well-executed Script and fantastic direction, the Film delivers a real punch to the gut.

Focus Features releases PROFILE on Friday, May 14, 2021.