Director – Lee Tamahori
Starring – Dominic Cooper, Raad Rawi and Ludivine Sagnier
Runtime – 109 minutes
Release date – 10th August 20211
Plot – A chilling vision of the house of Saddam. The world of Hussein comes to life through the eyes of the man who was given a choice; either be the double for Saddam’s sadistic son, or die.

REVIEW:
The Devil’s Double is a complete underrated gem that deserves more praise and attention. The film takes the true story of Latif Yahia, who was forced to become the body double of Uday Hussein, Saddam Hussein’s notoriously violent and psychopathic son, and turns it into a harrowing cinematic experience. From the opening scene, you’re pulled into the grim reality of war-torn Iraq, with real recordings of the conflict serving as a chilling reminder of the death and destruction that plagued the region. This sets the tone for a film that doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal world in which Latif is thrust.
Dominic Cooper delivers a performance that is nothing short of astonishing, portraying both Uday and Latif with such distinction that it feels like you’re watching two entirely different people. Uday is depicted as a volatile, sadistic madman who revels in violence and excess, while Latif is shown as a man of integrity—a loyal family man caught in an unimaginable nightmare. It’s worth noting that Cooper is primarily known for supporting roles, but here, he carries the entire movie with remarkable skill, switching seamlessly between Uday’s unhinged cruelty and Latif’s quiet resolve. His ability to embody these two contrasting characters elevates the film significantly.
One of the film’s tensest moments comes early on when Latif is brought before Saddam Hussein to gain approval for his role as Uday’s double. The palpable fear in that scene is conveyed so well that you can almost feel Latif’s nerves. Moments like this highlight how The Devil’s Double excels at keeping viewers on edge, immersing them in the perilous reality of impersonating a man as dangerous and erratic as Uday. The tension never really lets up, and it’s this sense of constant danger that keeps you hooked throughout.
Stylistically, the film feels like a Middle Eastern gangster movie, drenched in gold, violence, and excess. It’s hard to watch at times, knowing that much of what unfolds on screen really happened. Stories based on true events often invite scepticism about their accuracy, but according to my research, many of the events depicted in The Devil’s Double are indeed rooted in fact. This authenticity makes the film all the more disturbing, as you realise the depth of Uday’s depravity and the impossible position Latif was forced into.
The film doesn’t hold back when it comes to violence, with several moments so grotesque they will make you shudder. Whether it’s Uday’s sadistic games or the brutal enforcement of his will, The Devil’s Double doesn’t flinch in showing the horrors of living under such a tyrant. While the violence can be overwhelming, it’s necessary to paint a complete picture of the nightmare Latif endured. There’s one minor flaw involving a scene where Cooper’s face is digitally imposed onto a body double—it’s glaringly obvious but fleeting, making it forgivable in the grand scheme of the film.
One of the most frustrating moments is the depiction of a failed assassination attempt on Uday, as Cooper’s portrayal makes you despise the character so thoroughly that you can’t help but wish the attempt had succeeded. It’s a testament to how effectively Cooper embodies Uday’s despicable nature. The film might have benefited from exploring more of Latif’s struggle to convincingly impersonate Uday in different situations, as those moments offer a fascinating psychological element. That said, what the film does provide is compelling enough to leave a lasting impression.
Overall, The Devil’s Double is a brutal, tense, and captivating film that goes under the radar but is well worth a watch. Dominic Cooper’s exceptional dual performance, combined with the film’s unrelenting tension and hard-hitting depiction of real-life horrors, makes this a gripping experience. For those who enjoy intense dramas based on true stories, this is one movie that shouldn’t be missed.
I film I have not seen and reading your review I’m not sure I want to but as always a informative and interesting review.