Jason Isaacs' Political Thriller 'Words of War' Gets Release Date and Fiery Poster
Journalists have long been the unsung heroes, risking their lives and livelihoods to expose the truth. The job has its internal and external challenges, and the severity of these challenges changes from place to place and time to time. For Anna Politkovskaya, the truth was paramount and would cost her everything when she went up against the powerful forces of the Russian machinery. Words of War is a political thriller based on and dedicated to this brave journalist who paid the ultimate price for the truth, joining more than 1800 journalists who have been killed in this century alone. Starring Maxine Peake, Jason Isaacs, and Ciarán Hinds, Words of War will be released in theaters nationwide on May 2, 2025, timed to the United Nations’ World Press Freedom Day. Below is the film's official description.
Based on a true story, Words of War follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Anna was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal.
A poster was also released to tee up the film's events. Peake, Isaacs, and Hinds are shown in character on a red background. The film's title and subtitle are also accentuated with the same color, possibly teasing the danger that awaits Politkovskaya as she embarks on revealing the truth. Words of War also stars Ian Hart (Backbeat), Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals), Harry Lawtey (Joker: Folie à Deux), Sophie Simnett (Daybreak), and Ben Miles (Andor). James Strong directed the film from a script by Eric Poppen (Cyberjack).
Sean Penn is an executive producer on the film. He talked about what it aims to accomplish, saying:
“Words of War is a tribute to Anna Politkovskaya and journalists around the world, whose fearless reporting of savage wars and unvarnished criticism of savage leaders are essential to all our freedoms. This film succeeds beautifully as cinema and its drama will entertain you, while equally serving as a meditation on the ways we can regroup our sense of our own place, of what our voices must do. As Anna herself said, ‘There's nothing of value apart from the truth.’”
Words of War premieres in theaters in the US on May 2nd. Other territories and streaming dates will be announced later. See the new poster here.
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