A film that many viewers describe as a « masterpiece, » « brilliant, » and « underrated » is currently streaming on Netflix, and it’s one that continues to gain new appreciation for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of urban warfare. Mosul, first released on the streaming platform in 2020 after premiering at the 76th annual Venice International Film Festival in 2019, offers a gripping look at a battle that rarely receives the cinematic attention it deserves.
Written and directed by Matthew Michael Carnahan, Mosul is inspired by the true events of the 2016 Battle of Mosul that ultimately drove ISIS out of Iraq’s second-largest city. Based on Luke Mogelson’s New Yorker article, The Desperate Battle to Destroy ISIS, which documented the harrowing experiences of the Nineveh SWAT team.
The story begins with a young Iraqi policeman who is rescued during a brutal firefight by an elite SWAT unit.
Traumatised but determined, he joins the team and is immediately thrust into a world where secrecy, loyalty, and constant danger define each and every hour.
What follows is a tense journey through the shattered streets of Mosul, a city ISIS had held in an iron grip for years.
Instead of relying on the usual Hollywood lens, the film places Iraqis front and centre, speaking their own language and fighting for their own city, bringing a perspective that Hollywood films often overlook.
The handheld camerawork and tight framing trap the viewer inside the claustrophobic, unpredictable battle zones that defined the real conflict.
What makes Mosul stand out, and why many viewers consider it a hidden gem, is the authenticity that pulses through the film.
For decades, Western cinema has often portrayed Iraqis solely as background figures, enemies, or victims. Here, they are finally the protagonists of their own story, fighting an enemy that ravaged their home.
One viewer called it a « brilliant war movie. » They added: « Easily one of the best movies Netflix have made. The action is amazing and so realistic. Great story and first-class acting. It’s a total edge-of-your-seat experience. »
In another IMDb viewer review, one person said the film was « very, very underrated. »
Someone else wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: « One of the most realistic films I have seen about warfare. A masterpiece. »
Another person said: « Fascinating, terrifying, beautiful, incredible movie. I loved it so much. »
