By Keeva Stratton
Directed by: Larysa Kondracki
Starring: Rachel Weisz, David Strathairn, Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci
Rating: 4/5
Now Showing
When Kathryn Bolkovac (Weisz), an American police officer and single mum, loses custody of her teenage daughter, she decides to take on an unusual UN peacekeeping assignment in post-war Bosnia to earn good money, fast. When she arrives she soon impresses and is given the added responsibility of being the gender officer, a role that shifts her focus to women.
It seems that in Bosnian society, these women are generally treated poorly, with the authorities often turning their eyes away from obvious cases of spousal and sexual abuse. Just when she thinks she’s seen the worst of it, a late night raid on a bar ending in mysterious circumstances reveals something even more disturbing, an underground sex trafficking ring that is operated and enjoyed by her colleagues.
As Kathryn delves deeper, she is horrified to learn that the very men sent there with the intent to protect are instead facilitating—and profiting—from the prostitution of very young girls, who have been illegally removed from neighbouring countries. These men are not only getting away with committing heinous acts, but their status as UN peacekeepers grants them immunity from local persecution.
Given the involvement of her fellow peacekeepers, Kathryn’s reports of the abuse and attempts to bring justice are met with threats to her own safety. What once seemed to be a straightforward way of transforming her police skills into easy money has landed her in a recurring nightmare; the abuse she’s seen she cannot ignore, and yet she may lose her own life trying to find justice.
The Whistleblower is a horrific tale, made genuinely more shocking by the realisation that it is based on actual events. While many of us acknowledge the existence of such atrocities, to see it brought to life on screen was a powerful reminder of how ugly human nature—especially when power and money are at play—can be.
While it is a story that uncovers an awful abuse of women, it is also a story that shows the strength and resilience of one very incredible woman, caught in a situation that she couldn’t ignore no matter what the personal cost. Weisz is brilliant. Here, she finally has a role worthy of her acting talent, and she gives a performance of the highest ilk. She is supported in her efforts by the ever-impressive Vanessa Redgrave, and a warm yet uncertain David Strathairn.
The Whistleblower is a pertinent reminder of the great suffering that exists in many areas of the world. While we are not often reminded of this painful truth, it is important to acknowledge that sex trafficking remains a booming industry even today. You cannot help but be horrified and deeply saddened by this film—such is its power. Although at times an uncomfortable viewing experience, this is an important and remarkable film, and one that I would strongly encourage all to see.
