The Devil's Double

Synopsis

The Devil's Double is a gripping drama inspired by true events, telling the harrowing story of Latif Yahia, a young Iraqi who is forcibly made to become the body double of Uday Hussein, the sadistic son of Saddam Hussein. Portrayed compellingly by Dominic Cooper, Latif navigates the chaotic and dangerous world of the Hussein family, experiencing the extremes of luxury and violence that come with being a double for one of the most notorious figures in history. As he struggles to survive in a life full of threats, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas of his forced allegiance, Latif’s journey unveils the darker implications of power and identity in a regime defined by brutal oppression. Through lush cinematography and a haunting score, the film explores themes of duality, survival, and the lengths to which one must go to escape fate, posing the question of what it truly means to lose oneself in the shadows of another.

Cast

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  Dominic Cooper

  Latif Yahia / Uday Hussein

• 

  Ludivine Sagnier

  Sarrab

• 

  Raad Rawi

  Munem

• 

  Philip Quast

  Saddam Hussein / Faoaz

• 

  Mem Ferda

  Kamel Hannah

• 

  Mimoun Oaïssa

  Ali

Reviews

The Devil's Double has received a mix of reviews from critics and audiences alike, reflecting its polarized reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 55% approval rating, highlighting that while the performances are commendable, the film itself may not fully live up to its potential. Critics from 'The New York Times' noted, 'Dominic Cooper delivers a tour de force performance, capturing both the charisma and menace of Uday Hussein, but the film occasionally falters in its storytelling pace.' On Metacritic, the film has a score of 52 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews overall. Users on IMDb rate the film at 7.0/10, suggesting a more favorable response from the general audience. 'The Hollywood Reporter' praised it as 'a thrilling ride into the dark side of power’ but cautioned that it sometimes feels like it glosses over the deeper impact of its themes. Audiences noted the tension and excitement but also expressed a desire for a deeper exploration of Latif's psychological struggle, with one viewer stating, 'It’s a powerful tale, but I wanted more depth.' Overall, while The Devil's Double captivates with intense performances and visual flair, its storytelling leaves some viewers wanting more.