
The Translator 2021
When a Syrian exile in Australia learns his brother has been detained by the Assad regime in 2011, he faces an impossible choice: confront the brutal reality of his homeland or remain safely distant.
Director: Anas Khalaf
Cast








Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Translator (2021) about?
*The Translator (2021)* follows Malak, a Syrian exile living in Australia who returns to his homeland when his brother is arrested by the Assad regime in 2011. As he grapples with the decision to intervene, the film explores themes of exile, loyalty, and the moral weight of translation—both linguistic and emotional.
Who directed The Translator?
The film was directed by Anas Khalaf, a filmmaker known for his nuanced storytelling and ability to blend personal drama with political urgency.
Who stars in The Translator?
The Translator features Ziad Bakri as Malak, alongside Yumna Marwan, David Field, Ramzi Maqdisi, Miranda Tapsell, and Maria Zreik in key roles.
Is The Translator (2021) worth watching?
As a tense political thriller grounded in real-world stakes, *The Translator (2021)* offers a gripping narrative with strong performances and atmospheric tension. While it trades in heavy themes, its focus on family and moral dilemma makes it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas with a political edge.
How long is The Translator?
The Translator has a runtime of 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Translator (2021) — A Syrian exile's impossible choice in this gripping political thriller
When a Syrian exile in Australia learns his brother has been detained by the Assad regime in 2011, he faces an impossible choice: confront the brutal reality of his homeland or remain safely distant. Anas Khalaf's gripping thriller *The Translator (2021)* follows Malak, a man torn between two worlds, as he navigates the treacherous intersection of language, loyalty, and survival. With the weight of translation itself—both literal and moral—hanging over his shoulders, Malak must decide how far he's willing to go to bring his brother home. The film drips with tension, blending personal drama with the harsh political climate of Syria's early uprising, all while exploring the silent complicity of those who choose silence over action.
Set against a backdrop of simmering unrest, the movie unfolds like a coiled spring, its atmosphere thick with dread and urgency. Ziad Bakri delivers a powerhouse performance as Malak, capturing the quiet torment of a man caught between exile and obligation. Paired with Yumna Marwan's compelling portrayal of his sister-in-law, the cast grounds the story in raw, emotional stakes. *The Translator (2021)* isn't just a story about borders—it's a meditation on what it means to translate not just words, but justice, sacrifice, and the unspoken bonds that tie families together.