The connection is virtual. The danger is real.|Feb. 17, 2018|United States | United Kingdom | Russia|106 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Mystery;Reality;Thriller
Description: “Profile” is a 2018 thriller directed by Timur Bekmambetov, adapted from Anna Erelle’s non-fiction book *In the Skin of a Jihadist*. The screenplay, co-written by Bekmambetov, Britt Poulton, and Olga Kharina, features Valene Kane, Shazad Latif, Christine Adams, Amir Rahimzadeh, and Morgan Watkins in key roles. The movie premiered at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2018 and was later released in the United States on May 14, 2021, by Focus Features.
The story follows journalist Amy Whittaker, who creates a fake Facebook profile under the alias Melody Nelson to investigate how ISIS recruits young European women. Pretending to be a recent convert to Islam, Amy is soon contacted by Bilel, an ISIS fighter from Syria. As their interactions deepen, Amy develops genuine feelings for him, complicating her mission.
Critics had mixed reactions to the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 60% approval rating with an average score of 6/10, with some praising its unique narrative style but criticizing its increasingly unrealistic plot. Metacritic gave it a weighted score of 54, indicating “mixed or average reviews.” Audiences awarded it a “B” on CinemaScore, and 65% of viewers polled by PostTrak gave it a positive rating, with 37% recommending it. The film also won the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlinale.
In its US release, “Profile” opened alongside films like *Spiral* and *Those Who Wish Me Dead*, earning $260,000 on its first day and $730,290 over its debut weekend, finishing ninth at the box office.
Cast director: Timur Bekmambetov
Cast actor: Valene Kane, Shazad Latif, Christine Adams, Amir Rahimzadeh, Morgan Watkins, Therica Wilson-Read, Eloise Thomas, Emma Cater, Kelley Mack, Kate Watson
Original name: Profile