FULL MOVIE:
Review: The Forgiven (2021)
Genre: Drama / Thriller
The Forgiven, directed by John Michael McDonagh and based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne, is a morally complex, visually striking drama set in the stark beauty of the Moroccan desert. With a cast led by Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain, the film unpacks privilege, guilt, and cultural disconnect through the lens of a single tragic event.
The story follows David and Jo Henninger, a troubled British couple traveling to a lavish weekend party at a remote desert villa. On the way, a fatal accident involving a local young man sets off a chain of consequences that ripple through their relationship and among the Moroccan villagers. As the hosts and guests continue with their opulent celebrations, David is forced to confront the weight of his actions when the boy’s father demands accountability.
Ralph Fiennes is riveting as David—a man steeped in cynicism and arrogance, who slowly unravels when faced with the truth of what he’s done. Jessica Chastain’s Jo is sharp and emotionally distant at first, but she too undergoes subtle changes, shaped by the cultural tensions and moral ambiguity of their environment.
The film thrives on contrast—between the coldness of its elite Western characters and the dignity of the locals, between wealth and tradition, indulgence and reckoning. The Moroccan setting is beautifully shot, and the tension builds with a quiet, simmering intensity. It’s not a fast-paced thriller, but rather a contemplative drama about facing consequences in a world that often avoids them.
The Forgiven challenges viewers to question complicity, conscience, and the unspoken power dynamics that often go unchecked. It’s a slow burn, but one that leaves a lasting impression.
What did you take away from The Forgiven? Was justice truly served? Let us know what you think below.
