Profile

Profile is an absorbing thriller that, thanks to the form of computer desktop recording (see, for example, the Czech series Semestr or the Bekmambetov-produced horror film Unfriended), superbly escalates both the tension and the emotions. Profile is captivating not only as a dramatisation of real events, but also as a deeply felt picture of the emotional turbulence experienced by a journalist who, due to her reporting, establishes contact with an ISIS recruiter through a fake online profile. (07/12/2018)

From a technical point of view, this is an extremely carefully, in detail elaborated film with a strong theme and an impressive course, the biggest problem of which, however, lies in the basis, i.e., in the implausibility of the initial situation. It is hard to believe that an investigative journalist would try to infiltrate ISIS at the drop of the hat, with zero preparation and no basic orientation in the issue of the Islamic State, to think she will succeed, and moreover to get so emotionally involved in the whole thing. The second strange thing is that an experienced terrorist who transports a few girls a week from Europe to Syria does not immediately see through the act of the naive girl with an obviously newly created Facebook profile and a blank computer desktop, where there is nothing but a picture with freshly downloaded desktop wallpaper. (07/05/2018)

After three years of wait, Timur Bekmambetov’s (Wanted, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) Profile has finally seen the light of the internet and as expected it's decent, but I was expecting it to be at least a bit more frantic and crazy at the end. I liked the similar Searching more, but I like these Skype thrillers, and this one has an interesting topic, Islamists! The story focuses on the beautiful Valene Kane who, as an investigative journalist, sets up a fake Facebook profile and poses as a Muslim. Soon she is contacted by Bilel, a member of ISIS. Her job is to get from him details about the recruitment of girls converted to Islam is going, but of course things go quite wrong. The whole film takes place entirely on Facebook and via Skype, which may not be to everyone's taste, but it's got a decently oppressive atmosphere, a few minor twists and turns, some pretty decent emotions, and it's well acted and even slightly uncomfortable at the end. Those who have seen Caliphate and similar films about Islam won't be surprised by much, but the uninitiated viewer may be surprised by the reality. I was a bit disappointed by the occasional lack of clarity, at times the plot moves forward really fast and there is a lot on screen (Facebook messages, subtitles, notes, three different calls at once! ), and the finale felt too rushed, but satisfaction prevails. The film is also based on true events and definitely worth the time. 7/10. (06/04/2021)

Out of the blue, a would-be investigative journalist decides to infiltrate ISIS recruiters using Facebook and Skype, without having any necessary equipment, background, knowledge, preparation or legal protection. As a result, she makes so many mistakes that her life gets directly threatened – as well as, inevitably, the lives of her closed ones, which the script doesn't take into account. What’s more, the main character’s behaviour is completely unpredictable – she keeps changing her mind, doesn’t care about her friends and family, is carried away by irrational feelings, is totally unobjective in her work as a journalist and doesn’t even know why she is doing it in the first place. We may try to convince ourselves that there are people in the real world who actually behave like that (not normal people, though) and that the topic is somehow relevant to our times (the film is based on a true story, they said), but why would we want to cross our fingers for such an unstable, careless, unintelligent and irresponsible character? There’s no reason. And, even though Timur Bekmambetov punctuates this drama with funny moments, some scenes are meant to be serious, yet trigger unintended laughter instead. That being said, it seems most viewers are happy with Profile and just enjoy the form. [KVIFF 2018] (06/29/2018)