Watch Under the Wire

Under the Wire is a 2018 documentary film that chronicles the harrowing true story of war correspondent Marie Colvin and photographer Paul Conroy as they worked to report on the devastating conflict in Syria. The film is directed by Chris Martin and is based on the book of the same name written by Conroy. Set against the backdrop of the Syrian conflict, the film follows the journey of the two journalists as they navigate the dangers of the war zone to report on the atrocities being committed against the Syrian people. Colvin, played by Rosamund Pike in the film, is a seasoned war reporter who is determined to shed light on the human toll of the conflict, while Conroy, played by Tom Hollander, is a photographer who has just arrived in Syria for his first assignment.

The film begins with the pair sneaking into Syria via the Turkish border and making their way to the city of Homs, one of the hardest hit areas of the conflict. As they work to interview civilians and document the destruction, they are constantly under threat from sniper fire and shelling. The filmmakers capture the brutality of the conflict in visceral detail, with scenes of bombed-out buildings and wounded civilians providing a stark reminder of the human cost of war.

As the days go on, Colvin and Conroy shift their focus to the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs, which has become a symbol of the resistance against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. After a ceasefire is broken, the neighborhood comes under heavy bombardment, and the two journalists find themselves trapped with a group of civilians. With no way out, they are forced to hunker down and do their best to survive while waiting for rescue.

Through interviews with other journalists who were in Syria at the time, including Zaidoun al-Zoabi and Wael al-Omar, the film offers a comprehensive look at the chaos and violence of the conflict. We see how the journalists worked tirelessly to report on the situation, often risking their own lives in the process.

The film's focus on the personal experiences of Colvin and Conroy adds depth and nuance to the story. We see Colvin struggle with PTSD and addiction, and we witness Conroy's anguish as he tries to process the trauma he has witnessed. The film also explores the ethical complexities of reporting in such an environment, as we see Colvin and Conroy grapple with the fact that their presence in Syria may be exacerbating the violence they are trying to report on.

Throughout the film, we see how Colvin's determination to report on the Syrian conflict was fueled by a deep sense of compassion and empathy for the Syrian people. Her death in 2012, when she was killed by Syrian government shelling while reporting in Homs, represents a tragic loss for the world of journalism.

Overall, Under the Wire is a powerful and important film that offers a moving tribute to the bravery and dedication of journalists working in conflict zones. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Syrian conflict and the vital role that journalists play in shedding light on human rights abuses around the world.