The Grab (2024) — Documentary Review

"The Grab", a feature-length documentary directed by Nate Halverson, is a riveting saga that uncovers the intricate networks of international land deals and food insecurities. The film's focus is mainly on the acquisition and confiscation of land in Africa, specifically in Zambia. Halverson navigates this complex narrative with a journalist's eye for detail, supported by the Center for Investigative Reporting. He embarks on a disorientating journey, trying to unearth the reality behind the global powers, including the US, rushing to secure their food and water resources by purchasing large expanses of fertile land in Africa. The narrative thread known as “The Trove” is introduced, a secret cache of classified documents linked to Erik Prince, founder of the infamous Blackwater private military company. The film evolves from Halverson’s investigation of The Trove, revealing Prince's involvement in land deals across Africa in collaboration with Chinese-funded Frontier Services Group. However, the documentary slips into speculative terrain often. One instance is Halverson's 2021 trip to Zambia when he and his colleagues were inexplicably detained at the airport, accused of being enemies of the state. The incident, while suggestive, remains shrouded in ambiguity, functioning more as a red herring than a conclusive statement.

Throughout the film, Halverson connects stories of displaced Americans, Zambian farmers threatened off their land, and Somali fishermen-turned pirates due to depleting fish stocks. Despite these compelling accounts, the documentary sometimes suffers from lack of in-depth analysis. Overarching notions of global connectivity remain underexplored, leaving the audience mired in undertones of conspiracy. "The Grab" also delves into the secretive world of Erik Prince and his business ties with the United Arab Emirates and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. However, these investigations often lead to dead ends and missed opportunities for deep-seated inquiry. In the end, Halverson asks the audience to be the judge, leaving many questions unanswered. While the documentary makes a compelling case for global food insecurity and the shadowy world of international land deals, its failure to provide concrete insights leaves much of the story untold. What remains is a compelling narrative of conspiracy, power dynamics, and global food insecurity that urges viewers to question the systemic forces at play.