As a fan of Kristen Stewart, Camp X-Ray felt like an intimate exploration of her ability to embody complex emotions. Stewart’s portrayal of Private Amy Cole was nothing short of captivating—her quiet strength and vulnerability brought the character to life, making her moral dilemmas deeply relatable. Watching her navigate the challenging environment of Guantanamo Bay, you could feel the internal conflict that defines her journey.
One of the standout aspects of the movie was the chemistry between Stewart and Peyman Moaadi, who played Ali Amir. Their interactions carried much of the emotional weight of the film, adding nuance to the otherwise stark contrast between a soldier and a detainee. Moaadi’s performance was poignant, offering glimpses of humanity and resilience, which made you wish the film delved deeper into his character’s story.
This brings me to the one significant shortcoming of the movie—the missed opportunity for better pacing and more balanced storytelling. With nearly two hours of runtime, the film focused heavily on Cole’s perspective while leaving the detainees’ backstories and character development underexplored. Given the rich potential of such a setting, this felt like an oversight. It wasn’t just a missed narrative opportunity; it also impacted the emotional depth of the film, which could have been much stronger if we had seen more of the detainees’ humanity and struggles.
That said, the production and direction were solid, creating an authentic and immersive portrayal of life in Guantanamo Bay. The setting felt real, and the atmosphere added tension to every interaction. The film’s quieter moments, though slow at times, were effective in highlighting the isolation and monotony that defined the characters’ lives.
Overall, Camp X-Ray is a film worth watching, particularly for Kristen Stewart’s heartfelt performance. While it could have been a more well-rounded story, the themes of connection, humanity, and moral ambiguity still shine through. It’s a movie that lingers in your thoughts, not for what it achieved, but for what it could have achieved with a more balanced approach
