Traitor

In this suspenseful thriller, Don Cheadle plays a devout American Muslim and Special Forces explosives expert working deep undercover to penetrate an Islamic terrorist group planning a series of high-profile bombings. With such terrific actors as Cheadle and Guy Pearce (playing an FBI agent on Cheadle’s trail) in the principal roles, Traitor attains a level of histrionic quality seldom achieved by cat-and-mouse nailbiters. Writer/director Jeffrey Nachmanoff deserves credit for making the protagonist a loyal American Muslim whose devotion to his faith occasionally clashes with his dedication to the dangerous mission. Cheadle skillfully conveys the nuances of his undercover operative’s inner conflict. Additionally, Nachmanoff subtly and cleverly sets up a climactic surprise that literally lifts viewers off the edge of their seats.

Shelf Talk: Though Cheadle is a familiar face, he’s not a big draw—but Traitor might change that. You can play off his recent starring turn in Hotel Rwanda and get extra mileage by comparing Traitor to other high-profile Mideast-set thrillers, such as Syriana and Babel.