‘Just so you know, it’s going to take a while,’ veteran CIA officer Dan (Jason Clarke, Lawless) advises newcomer Maya (Jessica Chastain, The Help) as she witnesses her first interrogation at an undisclosed black site. His words carry a tone of authority and prophecy; their questioning of the detainee will span months, the search it sparks will stretch out to nearly a decade, and the film that charts their efforts will take 157 minutes to unfold.
Reteaming Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and her similarly-awarded screenwriter Mark Boal for their second collaboration following The Hurt Locker (2008), Zero Dark Thirty tells the story of the greatest manhunt in history – the search for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, following the 9/11 attacks on the United States. But while this is the film’s premise, perseverance is its primary concern, chronicling as it does an act of determination of the highest order.
Maya is young but unyielding, with unparalleled passion for her work and a stubborn inability to rest until she achieves her task. The passing mention of a courier, Abu Ahmed, triggers her pursuit; as she observes torture to extract information, experiences the carnage caused by the culprits she chases, and sees her colleagues forever changed – some stepping away from the frontlines, others removed from their post – by the war on terror, she continues to pursue every avenue even tangentially connected to her lead.
Recalling the other great procedural of recent years, David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007), Zero Dark Thirty is methodical in the construction of Maya’s journey. Commencing with a chorus of calls for revenge following the World Trade Centre tragedy that started it all, the film dives into every aspect of the painstaking operation that follows – whether unseemly, heartbreaking, bureaucratic, misguided or just plain lucky. Captives, acquaintances, and supervisors filter in and out with varying opinions, with Maya and her certitude the only constant. Yet the film presents, rather than ponders, the shades of grey surrounding the protagonist, her means and mission, encouraging the audience to draw their own conclusions.
Bigelow’s reputation as a consummate action director is again cemented, courtesy of a taut, thrilling third act notable for its precision and power. Her exceptional restraint is also on display, imbuing the feature with tension in every distressing interrogation, each confrontation between Maya and her superiors, and the barrage of concerns about the validity of her conclusions. The exacting display perfectly emboldens Boal’s impeccable script, with the film’s length barely felt. Indeed, the brilliance of both script and execution is formidable, as is their combination of the humanity and horror of their topic.
As the current awards season has recognised, Chastain anchors Zero Dark Thirty, accompanied by a stellar supporting cast. Stunning in her sheer force and simmering fortitude, she presents one of the most compelling and challenging characters in recent memory, all conveyed through dedication and hard work. The roster of names at her side – the exceptional Clarke, Édgar Ramírez (Carlos), Jennifer Ehle (Contagion), Kyle Chandler (Argo) and Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) included – also impresses, however it is Chastain who commands unwavering attention. Intelligent, immersive and intense, she proves the epitome of ruthlessness and relentlessness; a feat matched by the astounding surrounding feature.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Zero Dark Thirty
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
US, 2012, 157 min
In cinemas: January 31
Distributor: Icon
Rated: M
Actors:
Director:
Format:
Country:
Release:
