Peter Greste (Richard Roxburgh) is an Australian journalist covering for another team member in Cairo, Egypt, in December 2013. Although Cairo is currently filled with high risks and dangers, it doesn’t stop Peter from fulfilling what’s been asked of him; however, he plans to be in Cairo for only a short time. Peter has a strong passion for all things relating to journalism. One day, Peter is unexpectedly visited in his hotel room by men who begin to question him and search through all his belongings. Shocked by these visitors, Peter is subsequently arrested. When he gets the chance, he presses for an explanation regarding his arrest. He soon discovers that he has been accused of terrorism, along with other charges.
Now, Peter finds himself in a different kind of war zone, trapped in prison and falsely accused of crimes he did not commit. To make matters worse, he receives no support or assistance and instead is surrounded by individuals who are corrupt or have other interests at heart. Can Peter find a way to prove his innocence using only his skills as a journalist and ultimately regain his freedom? The Correspondent is a drama film based on the real-life events surrounding Peter Greste. It is directed by Kriv Stenders, who is known for his works, including Red Dog (2011), Kill Me Three Times (2014), Danger Close (2019), and Australia Day (2017).
I have always admired Australian actor Richard Roxburgh and his performances. His portrayal of Peter Greste showcases several admirable qualities, including his mannerisms, expressions, and body language. Unfortunately, while Roxburgh attempts to adopt Greste’s way of speaking, I found it somewhat mismatched for him and distracting at various points throughout the film.
The entire journey of the story is truly captivating, fascinating, and heartbreaking. When Peter is arrested on false charges in the first act, I found myself eager to discover the outcome—whether he will gain his freedom and, if so, how he will achieve it. While the story itself is powerful and important to share, I noticed that the pacing often felt slow, particularly during the second half of the film. Here, the runtime seemed much longer than it is.
Watching Peter navigate different prisons while trying to form new connections and cope with the overwhelming noise was compelling. However, the trial scenes became tedious and sluggish due to the film’s visual style and camera work. Additionally, some of Peter’s flashbacks felt like a missed opportunity, as their outcomes were obvious. The film’s ending was also disappointing and lacked impact. Although the facts and details were hard-hitting and shocking, the film struggled to conclude and summarise the story effectively.
Overall, The Correspondent is undeniably a film that tells a mind-blowing, fascinating, and heartbreaking true story about Peter Greste, who was imprisoned based on false claims. I felt many elements worked well, while other aspects seemed slow or tedious. Actor Richard Roxburgh delivers a compelling performance as Peter, especially in his mannerisms, reactions, and dramatic moments. However, I found the voice work to be distracting and somewhat unsuitable. Those who appreciate true stories, Australian cinema and history are encouraged to seek this film out. I enjoyed it, but wished it had been more impactful as a motion picture.
The Correspondent (2024) is Now Available in Australian Cinemas!
5.8/10
Published: 20th April 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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