[Writer-director Tarik] Saleh leans a bit too heavily on mystery cliche in defining his protagonist, but in general the film-noir sensibility meshes well with the political story.

With his prominent, avian nose and inquisitive eyes, Fares is a compelling screen presence, while Salehh's attention to details of life in a country on the brink of change give things a sense of grimy perspicuity.

... one of those extremely tense and increasingly violent yarns where the guilt runs all the way to the top.

As the film reaches its bleak, desolate, lonely ending, it almost precisely evokes the moody imagery of the ending of Chinatown.