The Pirates of Somalia (2017)

The Pirates of Somalia is a gripping 2017 American biographical drama that plunges into the daring true story of Jay Bahadur, a rookie journalist who risks everything for a groundbreaking scoop. Directed by Bryan Buckley and clocking in at 117 minutes, the film follows Bahadur (Evan Peters), a Canadian college grad stuck in his parents’ Toronto basement, yearning for a shot at serious journalism. Inspired by a chance meeting with his idol, veteran reporter Seymour Tolbin (Al Pacino), Jay ditches conventional paths and heads to war-torn Somalia in 2008 to infiltrate the world of its notorious pirates. With a 6.7/10 IMDb rating and a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s celebrated for its bold storytelling and nuanced portrayal of Somali culture, though some criticize its uneven tone and pacing. The film’s pulse-pounding moments come fast: Jay, armed with naivety and a half-baked plan, teams up with local fixer Abdi (Barkhad Abdi, magnetic after Captain Phillips), navigating Puntland’s treacherous landscape to interview pirates like the enigmatic Boyah. A standout scene sees Jay, high on khat, witnessing a neon-animated pirate raid, blending gritty realism with quirky flair—though critics found these flourishes divisive. His fleeting crush on Maryan (Sabrina Hassan Abdulle), a pirate’s savvy wife, adds a layer of reckless charm, while Al Pacino’s brief but electric cameo as Tolbin delivers sage advice with trademark intensity. The film shines when Abdi’s translator steals scenes, grounding Jay’s fish-out-of-water chaos with wit and warmth, though some felt the focus on Jay’s journey overshadows the pirates’ socio-economic plight. Premiering at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival and released on December 8 by Echo Bridge, this U.S.-produced drama, shot in South Africa, grossed modestly but won praise for humanizing Somali pirates, revealing their desperation amid civil war and economic collapse. Adapted from Bahadur’s 2011 book, it’s a thrilling, if imperfect, ode to gonzo journalism, with Peters’ manic energy carrying the weight of a man in over his head. For fans of true-story dramas or those curious about Somalia’s complex pirate saga, this film offers a wild, thought-provoking ride into a world few dare to explore.