logo
American Manhunt review: Riveting documentary about hunt for Laden that hits home

American Manhunt review: Riveting documentary about hunt for Laden that hits home

India Today19-05-2025
Seldom does a documentary look like a feature film at every step of its way. The dramatisation and reality don't often go hand-in-hand, but in 'American Manhunt - Osama bin Laden', all the walls get broken to present a fact-by-fact, and a step-by-step hunt for a man deemed the World's Most Wanted for a very long time.In the new Netflix documentary, effectively limited to three episodes, you just don't see what conspired on the CIA desk, and inside the White House's Situation Room, but also inside the minds of those who spent over a decade of their lives hunting down bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attack in the US. You see the real-life footage of the attack - the Twin Towers being hit by passenger flights and crumbling down to ashes in no time. While the political jargon and the defence expertise keep you hooked, it's how the documentary humanises the 'hunt' that makes it more thrilling and impactful.advertisementThe fear among the masses, the spirit of a nation ready to bring their perpetrators to justice, and the authorities busy learning and unlearning on their journey to hunt the man - everything comes alive in the documentary. It's not about the facts for us, because that, we know. It's about going deeper into the psyche of people associated with the hunt, tracing the length and the depth of their wounds that kept festering for over a decade, until that morning of ultimate healing, after Operation Neptune Spear, when Obama announced that the world's hunt was finally over.The documentary makes you sit on the edge of your seat throughout the entire time. It swiftly moves on like a channel of insiders passing on critical information, and ends up being a massive entertainer - informative and thrilling.advertisement Before watching the documentary, and realising its depth, one has to realise the magnitude of the attack itself. 9/11 is considered the largest terrorist attack in modern history. It claimed over 3,000 innocent lives - children, women, foreigners and businesspeople - out there to start yet another day at what was called the 'World Trade Centre'. The incident sent the entire world into mourning, and also began a phase of terror which didn't spare any part of the world, worked without selection and thrived on fear, chaos, and indiscriminate violence.The documentary features victims of the attack wrapped in ashes, the survivors howling in the background as a TV reporter captures one of the towers collapsing right behind him. At that moment, the incident became more than an attack on the world's largest economy. It becomes an attack on humanity, an attempt at introducing a new order in a world marred by fear, division and the erosion of global trust.The three-part series travels from George W. Bush's reign to Barack Obama's, and much like the mission itself, it never flinches from its goal: the capturing of bin Laden. It is told from the perspective of the CIA officials and the defence personnel in-charged with the mission to capture the notorious Al-Qaeda leader, who was first hiding in Afghanistan before Pakistan sheltered him and his family in Abbotabad, near their military facility.advertisementWe are largely treated to interviews with CIA officials, counterterrorism analysts and military personnel, notably Tracy Walder, Michael Morell, Kevin Shaeffer, and the most memorable - Navy SEAL Robert O'Neil - who is believed to have fired the bullet that killed bin Laden.Perhaps the most haunting of them all remains the one featuring Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Defence, who escaped the third attack on the same day, at the Pentagon, and, in his own words, "flat-lined twice" on the operating table.In 'American Manhunt', we see everything playing right in front of our eyes. The suffering, spirit, action, desperation, hope, promises, disappointment and at last, the sigh of relief - everything is visible and becomes personal. The timing of the release of this documentary makes it even more real, especially for Indians who continue to reel from the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack of April 22, which claimed 26 lives, and was planned and carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of another Pakistan-backed, UN-designated terror outfit - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).advertisementThe documentary offers a stark, unvarnished portrayal of the entire mission - steering clear of any glorification. It doesn't shy away from showing that it took the US an entire decade to track down their attacker, a delay shaped significantly by internal political strife. From blame games within the cabinet to the critical turning points that defined the mission, the series captures how some lost hope while others chose to slow down.You see the staging of a makeshift compound to replay every possible scenario before going for the actual attack on the adversary, and you know that the documentary will never let you settle. The three episodes bring alive a nation's prolonged pursuit of justice - one constantly and considerably beaten by its own internal challenges.Events like 9/11 don't require added dramatisation. While crafting a documentary around such tragedies, there's no need for stylistic embellishments or fictionalised storytelling, because the reality is already intense and heartbreaking enough to drive a compelling narrative.'American Manhunt', about one of the world's most significant manhunts, hits close to home at a time when India endures its own moments of grief and resilience. The documentary resonates beyond America. It reminds us that justice may be delayed, but the quest of it restores faith.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Who is Robert Shinn? Feds raid LA home of alleged ‘TikTok Cult' pastor in sex trafficking probe
Who is Robert Shinn? Feds raid LA home of alleged ‘TikTok Cult' pastor in sex trafficking probe

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Who is Robert Shinn? Feds raid LA home of alleged ‘TikTok Cult' pastor in sex trafficking probe

Federal agents and EI Monte Police swarmed a Tujunga residence linked to Robert Shinn on Friday morning, serving a search warrant tied to serious allegations of sex trafficking, tax evasion, money laundering, and pandemic-era fraud, reported the LA Times. The property, located at 7744 McGroarty Street, is linked to the founder of Shekinah Church and 7M Films. Shinn is also the central figure in the Netflix docuseries Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. Robert Shinn is also the central figure in the Netflix docuseries Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.(Netflix) The multi-agency raid, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS, US Postal Service, and Department of Labor, began around 6 am local time, with SWAT officers breaching the gated estate. Neighbors reported hearing flash-bangs and loudspeaker commands as federal agents detained at least six persons, including an older woman and a mother clutching a child. The LA Times stated that the authorities had not confirmed any arrests as of Friday evening. Also read: Tik Tok cult exposed in latest Netflix documentary: Wilking sisters' journey in Dancing for the Devil Robert Shinn's Netflix fame and cult allegations Shinn, who founded 7M Films in 2021, claimed to help TikTok influencers break into the Los Angeles entertainment scene, a KTLA report said. However, the docuseries portrayed a darker story with many former members accusing him of manipulation, emotional abuse, and exploitation under the guise of religion and talent management. The series, which featured former clients like Melanie Wilking and Miranda Derrick, recounted how dancers were allegedly pressured to sever ties with family and adhere to rigid spiritual teachings to gain 'salvation'. Despite these claims, no formal sexual assault charges were brought against Shinn, the KTLA report added. His company has denied all allegations and said the Netflix series was 'slanderous work of fiction' and part of a 'failed extortion attempt.' Also read: Hulk Hogan dies: From leaked sex tape to racism row, WWE star's biggest controversies Robert Shinn's legal battles The lawsuits pit Shinn against former members of his church and talent agency. While Shinn has filed a defamation claim, the defendants have countersued, accusing him of fraud, forced labor, human trafficking, and sexual battery, the report added. Tujunga residents have meanwhile expressed mixed reactions. Some described the property as secretive and unsettling, with high walls and closed-off windows. Others, like neighbor Anthony Jackson, said they were shaken by the allegations. 'This is a quiet neighborhood,' he told the LA Times and added, 'We never saw anything out of the ordinary.' FAQs Who is Robert Shinn? Shinn is a pastor and founder of Shekinah Church and 7M Films, a talent agency. He is the central figure in Dancing for the Devil, a Netflix docuseries alleging cult-like abuse. What is the investigation about? Federal agents are investigating allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, and pandemic-era fraud. Was anyone arrested? As of now, authorities have not confirmed any arrests related to the raid. Is this connected to the Netflix docuseries? While officials have not formally confirmed a link, the raid targeted the same property featured in the documentary. When is the trial? The civil trial involving Shinn and former members is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2025.

Happy Gilmore 2: Fans spot late Disney star Cameron Boyce in Adam Sandler's movie
Happy Gilmore 2: Fans spot late Disney star Cameron Boyce in Adam Sandler's movie

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Happy Gilmore 2: Fans spot late Disney star Cameron Boyce in Adam Sandler's movie

Adam Sandler-starrer sports comedy film Happy Gilmore 2 arrived on Netflix on July 25. Besides featuring a long list of star-studded appearances, the Kyle Newacheck directorial also featured a nod to Cameron Boyce, People magazine reported. Boyce, who died in July 2019, is famous for his role as Keithie in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2. Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore 2 features a blink-and-miss nod to his Grown Ups co-star, and late Disney actor, Cameron Boyce.(Netflix/X) Also read: Happy Gilmore 2 Easter eggs: How many hidden nods did you catch in Adam Sandler's comedy sequel? Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2 In a scene, Happy Gilmore (essayed by Adam Sandler) walks towards a check-in booth while holding his clubs. As he approaches, a person working at the check-in booth is shown with a TV playing in the background. A closer look shows Boyce. He is seen in a blue shirt, holding a pair of binoculars, Parade magazine reported. On social media, several fans were quick to identify that the footage was from Disney Channel's Jessie, which featured Boyce as Luke Ross. This was the episode where Luke breaks his leg and uses binoculars to spy on his neighbors. "The honoring of Cameron Boyce was such a cute and awesome Easter egg," one person wrote on X, while sharing a screenshot from Happy Gilmore 2. Another person added that they feel "heartbroken to think about what an amazingly talented and kind soul the world lost when he (Boyce) passed'. Also read: 'Happy Gilmore 2': Is there a post-credits scene? Adam Sandler movie ending explained Sandler and Boyce appeared as father-son duo Lenny Feder and Keithie Feder in the 2010 film Grown Ups. Later on, they reprised their roles in Grown Ups 2, which was released in 2013. Boyce died in 2019, at the age of 20, after he experienced a seizure during sleep. In his remembrance, the Cameron Boyce Foundation was formed. It continues to work on multiple causes that were close to the late actor. According to People magazine, Happy Gilmore 2 was not the first time Sandler paid tribute to his former co-star in a movie. The 50 First Dates star earlier paid a tribute to Boyce in the credits of the 2020 movie Hubie Halloween. Featuring a photograph of Boyce, the message read, "In loving memory of Cameron Boyce... Gone way too soon and one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew. You live on forever in our hearts and are truly missed every day." Earlier this month, several of Boyce's former co-stars from Disney remembered him on his sixth death anniversary. FAQs Where to watch Happy Gilmore 2? The film came out on Netflix on July 25. Which actors are part of Happy Gilmore 2? The project features Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Benny Safdie and Bad Bunny. When was Happy Gilmore released? The original film was released in 1996.

Adam Sandler pays touching tribute to Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2, six years after actor's death
Adam Sandler pays touching tribute to Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2, six years after actor's death

Mint

time5 hours ago

  • Mint

Adam Sandler pays touching tribute to Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2, six years after actor's death

Six years after the tragic passing of actor Cameron Boyce, Adam Sandler has paid quiet tribute to his former co-star in his latest film, 'Happy Gilmore 2', which released on July 25. The heartfelt nod was spotted by fans who noticed Boyce briefly appearing on a television screen in the background of a scene set at a check-in booth. The fleeting clip, believed to be footage from Boyce's Disney Channel show 'Jessie', appears to be a subtle homage to the young actor, who played Sandler's son in the 'Grown Ups' franchise. Although not publicly announced or confirmed by the production team, the moment did not go unnoticed by fans. Social media was quick to react, with one user posting: 'Adam Sandler subtly including Cameron Boyce in this scene from #HappyGilmore2 hits different (sic).' Another wrote, 'Excuse me while I sob (sic),' echoing the emotional resonance the scene had for many viewers. Check out some more reactions below: This isn't the first time Sandler has honoured Boyce's memory. In 2020, his Netflix comedy 'Hubie Halloween' concluded with a heartfelt message: 'In loving memory of CAMERON BOYCE,' accompanied by a photograph of the actor. The tribute praised Boyce as 'one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew.' Cameron Boyce died in July 2019 at just 20 years old due to a seizure caused by an ongoing medical condition. The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood and his fan base. Sandler, then 52, shared a moving tribute on X (formerly Twitter), describing Boyce as 'Too young. Too sweet. Too funny… Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around (sic).' Even in subtle gestures, Sandler ensures that Cameron Boyce's memory lives on in the hearts of fans and the films they continue to cherish.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store