Lucy Lawless makes her documentary debut with “Never Look Away” - the detailed story of audacious war correspondent, Margaret Moth. Working for CNN across 20 years and some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots, Moth was known for her unconventional methods and relentless pursuit of the story. Through interviews with those who knew her - friends, colleagues, lovers - we get a glimpse into the life of this enigmatic reporter who repeatedly risked her life to tell the story she most believed in.
Born Margaret Wilson in Gisborne, New Zealand, Moth was a self-made individual who transformed herself into the intriguing eccentric we know today - changing her name from Wilson, dying her hair black, and branding herself with a distinctive goth aesthetic. Evidently, this reinvention extended beyond the surface level, as Moth sought danger with little regard for her own safety. Her fearless approach wasn't without consequences - in 1992 she was shot in the head while traveling through Sarajevo’s Sniper Valley, an incident that resulted in loss of part of her tongue and severe facial damage. Nonetheless, within six months, Moth was back on the ground - her scars a testament to her unwavering passion.
Lawless meticulously builds the narrative of Moth's life through archival footage and interviews with important figures in her life, such as former lover Jeff Russi and renowned CNN correspondent, Christiane Amanpour. The documentary also delves into Moth’s traumatic childhood, illustrating how her past might have influenced her present choices. Despite not having had the chance to interview Moth herself who passed away from cancer in 2010, Lucy Lawless constructs a compelling portrait of the acclaimed photojournalist who broke norms to “get the shot”. However, despite all these efforts, Moth remains ultimately unknowable – a testament to the complexities of her character and life.
