"The Bibi Files", a documentary by Alexis Bloom dealing with corruption allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, does not offer major new insights, but it presents a detailed analysis of the politician's alleged misconduct. The film contains startling leaked footage from police interrogations of Netanyahu, his wife Sara, and their son Yair. The movie has even become a subject of legal dispute, as Netanyahu has sought to block its release.
The documentary scrutinizes accusations that have resulted in indictments in 2019 for breach of trust, bribery, and fraud. Notably, the ongoing court procedures have been impacted by the current conflict with Hamas. There are speculations that Netanyahu's handling of this conflict may be partly motivated by his desire to delay his trial.
"The Bibi Files" leverages the power of visual storytelling, providing the first opportunity to view actual footage from the interrogations, revealing the politician's irritation when questioned about accepting gifts, such as pricey cigars. The documentary also exposes more significant gifts, like expensive jewelry given to his wife Sara by prominent Israeli film producer Arnon Milchan.
The portrayal of Netanyahu displays a cool demeanor during questioning; however, occasional temper flare-ups and claims of poor memory are notable. His wife Sara and their son Yair are also depicted in a damaging light, further adding to the controversy surrounding Netanyahu's tenure.
The documentary also features critical commentary from various sources, including Netanyahu’s former aide Nir Hefetz and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The analysis covers allegations involving Netanyahu’s manipulations to secure positive press coverage and his political utilization of the Hamas conflict, among other issues.
"The Bibi Files" concludes with harrowing footage of recent violent events, suggesting that Netanyahu might be dragging out the Israel-Hamas war for political reasons.
Despite its grim subject matter, the film ends with a survivor's hope for peace and full disclosure of facts, offering a contrasting note of optimism amidst the controversy.
