The 2019 Arabic-language war film Mosul, streaming on Netflix, is being hailed by viewers as the 'best war film since Black Hawk Down and The Hurt Locker'. Based on actual events during the Battle of Mosul in 2016, the film depicts the moment Iraqi government forces and coalition allies defeated ISIS and liberated the city from the Islamic State, who had held control since June 2014.
Written and directed by Matthew Michael Carnahan
Written and directed by Matthew Michael Carnahan, the film draws from Luke Mogelson's article published in The New Yorker in January 2017, entitled 'The Desperate Battle to Destroy ISIS'. It received its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 before launching on Netflix in November 2020.
The film features Suhail Dabbach in the leading role, whose performance has garnered widespread acclaim, alongside Is'haq Elias, Hayat Kamille, Thaer Al-Shayei, Adam Bessa, Ahmad Elghanem, and Waleed Elgadi. It was shot on location in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Official synopsis and critical praise
The official synopsis states: "After being rescued by an Iraqi SWAT team from an assault by insurgents, a policeman joins the team and is thrown into a world of secrecy and ceaseless, fierce fighting."
Critics have heaped praise upon the war drama, with one declaring: "Mosul is a well-made action film with an important message and a lot of heart, a combination seen all too rarely these days." A further reviewer lauded both the director and cast: "Matthew Michael Carnahan makes a stellar directorial debut with Mosul, a hard-hitting, must-see movie which sees star Suhail Dabbach deliver an Oscar-worthy performance which it would be a crime to overlook."
A third critic said: "Mosul isn't the kind of easy, sentimental TV viewing often provided during the holidays, but it is a potent reminder of the deadly struggles and sacrifices some people have endured to earn their freedom."
Audience reactions
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic in their praise, with one saying: "The BEST war movie since Black hawk down! Amazing! Authentic and a true story!" A further audience review on IMDB echoed this sentiment: "The best movie about urban warfare, post Black Hawk Down. Set in the city of Mosul, this is a superb thriller that pits a squad of Syrian SWAT soldiers against Daesh or ISIS, in the last days of Islamic State. The action is non-stop and is punctuated with solid story telling. It is a hidden gem on Netflix and would be loved by all action / thriller / war movie buffs out there. Highly recommended."
One review reads: "Better than most big budget films. Bottom line the movie has depth to it that is more than its great acting it's a must watch! I would say this is on par with lone survivor, American sniper, and the outpost. It is very original. This is true cinematography, it tells an amazing story." Another wrote: "One of the best war action thrillers in last few years. Mosul is one of the more memorable war movies i saw in last few years. Its brutal, bloody, very realistic and intense action war thriller. Not to be missed."
One viewer drew comparisons with another celebrated war epic: "Wow. Wow. Wow. I cannot say enough good things about this movie. What a powerful movie. The fight scenes are better than in Saving Private Ryan." Another was left speechless by the film's remarkably authentic depiction: "A movie so engaging that it's hard to believe there's a film crew there with lights and cameras. Astoundingly real." One viewer put it simply: "Absolutely riveting film. There are few films I'd say were 'must-see'; this is one of them."
Mosul is currently available to stream on Netflix.
