The 2025 film Words of War has landed on ITVX, and viewers have dubbed the movie "unmissable". Based on a powerful true story, it explores the life of Russian journalist and human rights campaigner Anna Politkovskaya, who sought to expose corruption within Vladimir Putin's regime while also covering the conflict in Chechnya between the 1990s and 2000s.
Cast and production
Actress Maxine Peake, who recently starred in the acclaimed movie I Swear, takes on the lead role as Politkovskaya. She is joined by Harry Potter legend Jason Isaacs as her husband, Alexander Politkovsky, and Ciarán Hinds as Dmitry Muratov, her editor at the Novaya Gazeta, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.
The picture is produced by Sean Penn and directed by BAFTA winner James Strong, who previously helmed the gripping ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and has worked on Doctor Who and Vanity Fair, reports the Mirror.
Viewer reactions
Since the film's release, Words of War has gained popularity among viewers who urge others to watch it. "Important & moving story that everyone should see!! Great acting!!!" wrote one person on Rotten Tomatoes.
"This thriller is a terrific film with terrific performances! It's intense, powerful, and devastatingly true. It made me marvel at everyday people who somehow rise to the levels of bravery most people never come close to experiencing. I highly recommend it!", added a second viewer.
While a third chimed in: "Words of War is a gripping true story that highlights the immense bravery of ordinary people who refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice. Riveting, raw, and deeply moving, Anna Politkovskaya’s story is more urgent and timely than ever."
"The cast is incredible. Anna's words are haunting. I read that the story is important and timely but I want to watch it again because it’s a good movie", added another.
What happened to Anna Politkovskaya?
Anna Politkovskaya was a fearless Russian journalist renowned for her investigations into corruption and the Chechen conflict. From 1999, the investigative reporter traveled to Chechnya almost monthly for several years, and participated in negotiations during Nord-Ost, the 2002 hostage crisis at a Moscow theatre, after Chechen rebels specifically asked for her involvement.
In 2004, she intended to assist in resolving the Beslan crisis, where heavily armed militants held hostages in a school for three days; however, she never arrived. She was reportedly poisoned aboard the aircraft while travelling to Beslan, suggests the BBC.
In 2006, Anna was murdered while in the elevator of her block of apartments in Moscow. She was just 48 years old. Words of War is streaming now for free on ITVX.
