Anthony Mackie’s latest film, Desert Warrior, is experiencing significant backlash online, with users on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) actively posting negative reviews.

Review-Bombing and Low Ratings

Currently, Desert Warrior holds the lowest rating of any film in Anthony Mackie’s career. The film has garnered over 5,000 user reviews, with approximately 73% of the roughly 3,800 ratings given being a score of 1/10. This negative sentiment extends beyond general audiences, as the film has also received mixed reviews from professional critics and regular moviegoers.

Controversy Surrounding Production

The core of the controversy centers on the involvement of MBC Studios, a production company with Saudi Arabian backing. Critics have accused the film of functioning as propaganda, suggesting a deliberate effort by Saudi Arabia to improve its international image through investment in entertainment and sports. The film’s budget of $150 million makes it the most expensive movie ever produced in Saudi Arabia.

Regional Criticism

The review-bombing isn’t limited to outside the region. A substantial number of negative reviews originate from IMDb users in Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. These users are expressing dissatisfaction with creative choices, questioning why a story rooted in Middle Eastern history is told in English.

They are also criticizing the casting of predominantly white actors in roles depicting Middle Eastern historical figures. One Saudi user gave the film a half-star, calling it a “total disaster” and “insulting” due to perceived historical inaccuracies. The user expressed frustration at needing Arabic subtitles for a story about their own culture, stating the film’s presentation is a “complete insult.”

Production Challenges

The production of Desert Warrior faced numerous challenges. It took nearly a year to shoot and over three years to complete post-production, experiencing several setbacks. These included creative disagreements between director Rupert Wyatt and MBC Studios, ultimately leading to Wyatt’s departure during post-production.

Star-Studded Cast

Despite the challenges, the film features a prominent cast alongside Anthony Mackie, including Aiysha Hart, Sharlto Copley, Ghassan Massoud, Ben Kingsley, Numan Acar, Sami Bouajila, Lamis Ammar, and Géza Röhrig.

The situation highlights the complexities of international film production and the potential for cultural sensitivities to impact a film’s reception. The review-bombing demonstrates how audiences are increasingly vocal about representation and authenticity in storytelling, and how financial backing can influence perceptions of a film’s intent. The controversy is expected to continue as the film’s release approaches.