Traitor (2008)
A morally complex spy thriller where faith, loyalty, and deception collide in a globe-spanning hunt for the truth.
Traitor - Movie Information
- Original Title: Traitor
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Jeffrey Nachmanoff
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 23, 2008 (Australia - M), August 27, 2008 (United States - PG-13), August 23, 2008 (Canada - 14A), March 27, 2009 (United Kingdom - 12A), June 26, 2009 (Germany - 16), February 4, 2009 (France), October 13, 2008 (Brazil - 14)
- Alternative Titles: Traidor (PT), Trahison (FR), Traitor - Zwischen den Fronten (DE), خائن (IR), O Traidor (BR), Traidor (ES), Az áruló (HU), Trădătorul (RO)
- Production Companies: Mandeville Films, Hyde Park Entertainment, Crescendo Productions, Overture Films, Paramount Vantage
- Production Countries: United States of America
Traitor - Plot
When straight arrow FBI agent Roy Clayton heads up the investigation into a dangerous international conspiracy, all clues seem to lead back to former U.S. Special Operations officer Samir Horn.
Traitor - Trailer
See the tension unfold in the official trailer for this gripping international thriller.
The truth is complicated.
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Traitor - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jeffrey Nachmanoff
Main Cast
- Don Cheadle
- Guy Pearce
- Neal McDonough
- Saïd Taghmaoui
- Jeff Daniels
- Alyy Khan
- Raad Rawi
- Hassam Ghancy
- Mozhan Navabi
- Adeel Akhtar
Writers
- Steve Martin
- Jeffrey Nachmanoff
Producers
- Don Cheadle
- Jeffrey Silver
- David Hoberman
- Glynis Murray
- Todd Lieberman
Traitor - FAQs
What is Traitor about?
Traitor follows Samir Horn, a former U.S. Special Operations officer with deep Islamic faith, who becomes entangled in a global terrorist network. FBI agent Roy Clayton closes in on him, but the truth about whose side Samir is really on proves far more complicated than it first appears.
Is Samir Horn actually a traitor in the film?
That's the central mystery driving the film. Without giving too much away, Samir's true allegiances are deliberately kept ambiguous for most of the story. The film uses that tension masterfully, forcing viewers to question loyalty, faith, and moral compromise before revealing the full picture.
Where can you stream or watch Traitor?
Traitor is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. You can also catch it for free through the Plex Channel. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in Traitor?
Don Cheadle leads the cast as Samir Horn, with Guy Pearce playing FBI agent Roy Clayton. The film also features Jeff Daniels, Neal McDonough, and Saïd Taghmaoui in key supporting roles, all delivering performances that add real weight to this tightly wound thriller.
Does Traitor have a twist ending?
Yes, Traitor builds toward a reveal that recontextualizes much of what came before. The film carefully plants clues throughout, so the ending feels earned rather than cheap. It's the kind of conclusion that makes you want to revisit earlier scenes with fresh eyes.
Is Traitor based on a true story?
Traitor is a work of fiction, though it draws on real-world anxieties about terrorism, undercover operations, and the moral costs of intelligence work. The story was conceived by comedian and writer Steve Martin, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Jeffrey Nachmanoff.
How does Traitor explore faith and identity?
Faith sits at the heart of the film. Samir Horn is a devout Muslim navigating a world that views his religion with suspicion, and the film takes his beliefs seriously rather than using them as shorthand for villainy. It's one of the more thoughtful post-9/11 thrillers in that regard.
How was Traitor received by critics?
Critics gave Traitor a generally positive reception, with Don Cheadle's performance earning particular praise. Reviewers highlighted the film's moral complexity and willingness to engage seriously with questions of faith and identity, setting it apart from more conventional post-9/11 action thrillers.
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