The Forever Prisoner (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Forever Prisoner is a 2021 crime documentary directed by Alex Gibney, starring Abu Zubaydah, James Mitchell and Daniel Jones. It runs 1 hour 59 minutes and earned $77 million worldwide. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 59m (119 min)
- Director
- Alex Gibney
- Genres
- Crime , Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- HBO
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Forever Prisoner About?
The premise of The Forever Prisoner without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
This documentary explores the story of Abu Zubaydah, a man detained and held for years without formal charges. The film examines his experiences while held by the CIA and subjected to interrogation methods that have sparked considerable debate. Through his ordeal, the film raises important questions about the balance between national security, justice, and the upholding of American values in a complex and uncertain world.
The Forever Prisoner Cast
Abu Zubaydah leads the cast, with James Mitchell and Daniel Jones. Directed by Alex Gibney; 11 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Alex Gibney
- Abu Zubaydah as themselves
- James Mitchell as themselves
- Daniel Jones as themselves
- Alberto J. Mora as themselves
Also Starring in The Forever Prisoner
· 7 more- Ali Soufan Themselves
- Chantell Higgins Themselves
- Hesham Abu Zubaidah Themselves
- John Rizzo Themselves
- Joseph Margulies Themselves
- Stephen Gaudin Themselves
- Steven Kleinman Themselves
More from Alex Gibney
More films directed by Alex Gibney, best-rated first: Totally Under Control, Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie, Crazy, Not Insane and Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.
The Forever Prisoner Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Forever Prisoner 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in sensory experience (65).
The Forever Prisoner Echo Score Breakdown
The Forever Prisoner delivers a compelling examination of post‑9/11 interrogation practices, anchored by Alex Gibney’s incisive direction. Critics note its probing questions and strong interviews, though some cite a lack of fresh detail. Viewers respond with powerful emotional reactions and praise the editing, while a few find the material familiar. The documentary’s strengths in craft and impact outweigh its occasional redundancy, resulting in a solid overall rating.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of direction and editing, Gibney’s meticulous approach shapes a coherent visual narrative. Critics commend the uncompromising interview style and the film’s satisfying distillation of material, while users highlight the sharp editing and effective narration. Although some note a scarcity of new visual insight, the overall craftsmanship stands out as a key strength.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the documentary relies on interview subjects to convey personal testimonies. Critics and users alike note the devastating effect of the testimonies and the tension created by the interviewees, describing performances as powerful and affecting. The emotional weight contributes significantly to the film’s impact.
- Story & Flow 70
The film’s narrative structure tackles the post‑9/11 interrogation saga with measured pacing. Reviewers acknowledge the importance of the questions raised but observe that the story offers limited new revelations, rendering parts feel familiar. Nonetheless, the coherent flow and focus on systemic abuse sustain audience engagement throughout.
- Sensory Experience 65
In terms of sensory experience, the documentary presents a stark visual style paired with clear narration. While specific praise for soundtrack or sound design is scarce, users commend the effective editing and narration that enhance the gravity of the subject. The overall sensory presentation supports rather than distracts from the content.
- Rewatch Factor 75
The documentary’s relevance and emotional intensity encourage repeat viewings, as critics highlight its eye‑opening questions and users describe it as a must‑watch that remains unsettling and informative. Though the material is familiar, the compelling interviews and strong narrative drive give it lasting appeal for those seeking deeper understanding of post‑9/11 policies.
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IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 90%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 75 Metascore
User score 5.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 79% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
See on Letterboxd
The Forever Prisoner Plot Summary
What happens in The Forever Prisoner from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
As the story unfolds within the sun-drenched backdrop of the Mexico-US border, Adela and Juan, portrayed by Ana de la Reguera and Tenoch Huerta respectively, embark on a treacherous journey aided by a savvy young guide. Successfully traversing the perilous tunnel, they emerge on the other side, where the guide gives Adela a vital token: a card inscribed with the mysterious directive to “follow the roses” for any future assistance.
In the meantime, America grapples with the consequences of the Purge, as the New Founding Fathers of America regain control, reinstating this controversial event amidst escalating illegal immigration. As ten months pass, Adela devotes herself to mastering English while managing alongside Darius. Meanwhile, Juan impresses Caleb Tucker, the patriarch of the Tucker family, with his abilities as a ranch hand.
Full summary
The whole story of The Forever Prisoner, scene by scene
The Forever Prisoner Box Office
The Forever Prisoner grossed $77 million worldwide. $44.5 million came from the US and Canada and $32.5 million (42%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$77M
- US & Canada
- $44.5M
- International
- $32.5M
The Forever Prisoner Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Forever Prisoner.
How Well Do You Know The Forever Prisoner?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What crucial advice does the guide give to Adela when they reach foreign soil?
The Forever Prisoner Also Known As
12 alternative titles, including “Věčný vězeň” and “Mūžīgi ieslodzītie”.
- Also known as
-
- Věčný vězeň
- Mūžīgi ieslodzītie
- Więzień na zawsze
- Prisioneiro Para Sempre
- האסיר לנצח
- Вечный заключенный
- 더 포에버 프리즈너
- Prisionero Para Siempre
- Der ewige Gefangene
- Вечният затворник
- เชลยขังลืม
- 永远的囚犯
Seen The Forever Prisoner?
The Forever Prisoner FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Forever Prisoner, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Forever Prisoner?
The Forever Prisoner runs 1 hour 59 minutes (119 minutes).
When was The Forever Prisoner released?
The Forever Prisoner was released on December 6, 2021.
Who directed The Forever Prisoner?
The Forever Prisoner was directed by Alex Gibney.
More films by Alex Gibney Who is in the cast of The Forever Prisoner?
The Forever Prisoner stars Abu Zubaydah, James Mitchell and Daniel Jones, among 11 credited actors.
How much did The Forever Prisoner make at the box office?
The Forever Prisoner grossed $77 million worldwide ($44.5 million domestic, $32.5 million international).
How is The Forever Prisoner rated?
The Forever Prisoner has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 79% on TMDB.
Does The Forever Prisoner have a post-credit scene?
No. The Forever Prisoner has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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