Movie Breakdown: Profile

Pre-Screening Stance:

Profile looks like the sort of film that was definitely filmed during the pandemic, but it was actually shot back in 2018. How weird. Anyhow, I thought the trailer for the movie was sharp. I’ve also liked some of Timur Bekmambetov’s previous efforts – Wanted, Night Watch – so that’s a bonus here, too.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I liked what Profile was trying to do, but it doesn’t really work. The plot, which is entirely told across various screens (recorded Skype convos, chat windows, phones, etc.), follows Amy (Valene Kane), a journalist who is on the hunt for a terrorist recruiter. Eventually, by way of a fake Facebook profile and some select posts, she ends up getting in contact with a man named Bilel (Shazad Latif). They then start to regularly talk and, essentially, play each other – she wants to uncover and report on his recruitment methods and he … well, wants to recruit her.

Had Profile solely continued down the path of Amy vs Bilel, it likely could have been something great. However, there are a lot of asides that don’t make much sense in the grand scheme of things. Amy is in a serious relationship, one that seems to be with someone who supports and loves her, but she couldn’t seem less interested in it. Also, the company she works for is interested in bringing her on as a full-time journalist, but she does everything she can to squander the opportunity. My guess is that these things, along with her monetary struggles, are supposed to explain why she eventually finds herself enamored with a terrorist recruiter, but that’s a tough leap to make. There’s other frustrating bits here, too, such as how she’s supposed to be clever but comes off as the most ill-prepared reporter around, and the way she nonsensically flips from being either blissfully unaware or hyper aware of what’s going on between her and Bilel. Pick a lane, man.

The concept behind Profile is a good one, but the poor writing really sinks it. The movie will open in theaters this Friday, May 14.

One Last Thought:

I don’t know if this movie will garner enough attention to land Shazad Latif some bigger roles, but I’m hoping it does. The guy can effortlessly jump from charming and sensitive to intimidating, and it’s pretty damn impressive.