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Crime documentary

The Forever Prisoner (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Forever Prisoner (2021) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
80%
worldwide gross
$77M
Echo Score
73
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The Forever Prisoner (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 59m (119 min)
Director
Alex Gibney
Genres
Crime , Documentary
Original language
English
Studio
HBO
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in The Forever Prisoner

· 7 more
From the director

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.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

73 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$77M

US & Canada
$44.5M
International
$32.5M
US & Canada 58% Rest of the world 42%
Videos

The Forever Prisoner Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Forever Prisoner.

Official Trailer
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What crucial advice does the guide give to Adela when they reach foreign soil?

Details

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

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FAQ

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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