The Mauritanian
Based on the NY Times best-selling memoir "Guantánamo Diary" by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, this is the true story of Slahi's fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. Government for years. Alone and afraid, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander and her associate Teri Duncan who battle the U.S. government in a fight for justice that tests their commitment to the law and their client at every turn. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by a formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch, uncovers shocking truths and ultimately proves that the human spirit cannot be locked up.
The film earned $7.5M at the global box office.
Nominated for 5 BAFTA 6 wins & 19 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Mauritanian (2021) exhibits precise plot construction, characteristic of Kevin Macdonald's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 9 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Nancy Hollander in her law office, established as a principled defense attorney. Mohamedou Ould Slahi shown in Guantanamo Bay detention, isolated and uncertain.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Nancy and Teri discover the extent of government obstruction and classification of evidence. They realize this case involves potential torture and systematic denial of due process.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 33 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Nancy commits fully to fighting for Mohamedou's habeas corpus petition despite government opposition. She crosses into active battle with the justice system. Couch decides to prosecute with integrity., moving from reaction to action.
At 65 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Couch discovers evidence of torture. The full extent of Mohamedou's abuse is revealed through graphic flashbacks. False victory turns to horrifying truth: Mohamedou's "confession" was coerced through systematic torture., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 96 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Couch withdraws from the case, unable to prosecute based on torture evidence. Nancy learns the full scope of what Mohamedou endured. The death of justice and constitutional principles becomes undeniable., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 103 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Nancy receives the declassified evidence proving Mohamedou's torture and lack of actionable intelligence. Armed with truth, she prepares final arguments. Synthesis of legal strategy and moral clarity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Mauritanian's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Mauritanian against these established plot points, we can identify how Kevin Macdonald utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Mauritanian within the biography genre.
Kevin Macdonald's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Kevin Macdonald films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Mauritanian takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kevin Macdonald filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more Kevin Macdonald analyses, see The Eagle, The Last King of Scotland and State of Play.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Nancy Hollander in her law office, established as a principled defense attorney. Mohamedou Ould Slahi shown in Guantanamo Bay detention, isolated and uncertain.
Theme
Nancy's colleague Teri questions taking the case: "Everyone deserves a defense." The theme of constitutional rights versus fear is established.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to all key players: Nancy and Teri begin investigating Mohamedou's case; Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch is assigned as prosecutor; Mohamedou's life in detention is shown; the post-9/11 climate of fear is established.
Disruption
Nancy and Teri discover the extent of government obstruction and classification of evidence. They realize this case involves potential torture and systematic denial of due process.
Resistance
Nancy and Teri debate how to proceed against massive government resistance. Couch begins reviewing evidence. Nancy meets Mohamedou for the first time. Legal and ethical complexities are explored.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Nancy commits fully to fighting for Mohamedou's habeas corpus petition despite government opposition. She crosses into active battle with the justice system. Couch decides to prosecute with integrity.
Mirror World
Nancy and Mohamedou form a genuine attorney-client bond. His humanity, intelligence, and dignity become clear to her. This relationship carries the film's heart and thematic weight about seeing past fear.
Premise
The legal battle unfolds. Nancy fights for access to classified evidence. Couch investigates Mohamedou's alleged connections to 9/11. Flashbacks reveal Mohamedou's actual story. The audience experiences the premise: can justice exist in Guantanamo?
Midpoint
Couch discovers evidence of torture. The full extent of Mohamedou's abuse is revealed through graphic flashbacks. False victory turns to horrifying truth: Mohamedou's "confession" was coerced through systematic torture.
Opposition
Couch faces moral crisis over prosecuting a torture victim. Nancy fights harder for declassification. Government resistance intensifies. The system's machinery works against truth and justice at every turn.
Collapse
Couch withdraws from the case, unable to prosecute based on torture evidence. Nancy learns the full scope of what Mohamedou endured. The death of justice and constitutional principles becomes undeniable.
Crisis
Nancy processes the moral weight of the case. Mohamedou confronts his own trauma and loss of years. The emotional toll on all principled characters is shown. Dark night before resolution.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Nancy receives the declassified evidence proving Mohamedou's torture and lack of actionable intelligence. Armed with truth, she prepares final arguments. Synthesis of legal strategy and moral clarity.
Synthesis
Nancy presents the evidence. The judge orders Mohamedou's release. Epilogue text reveals the government appealed and he remained detained for years more. The victory is real but incomplete—a reflection of ongoing injustice.
Transformation
Final images show Mohamedou's actual release in 2016 and reunion with family. Despite years stolen, he maintains dignity and hope. Nancy's commitment to justice is vindicated, though the cost was immense.