The world of cinema is witnessing a fascinating trend: the rise of 'verbatim' movies, where filmmakers are taking a unique approach to storytelling. Is reality the new scriptwriter?
Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary director, famously emphasized the importance of the script, but what if the script was already written by real people?
An intriguing phenomenon is unfolding on our screens, with an increasing number of filmmakers opting to recreate real-life conversations and events verbatim. From the gripping interrogation scene in Reality (2023) to the intense questioning in Uppercase Print (2020), these films promise an uncanny level of authenticity.
But here's where it gets controversial... Two more 'verbatim' movies have hit UK cinemas within a month. Peter Hujar's Day (2025) captures the vibrant New York of 1974, while The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025) takes us to the heart of the Gaza evacuation in 2024. Both films showcase the power of real-life dialogue and the impact it can have on the big screen.
This trend isn't entirely new. Films like Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005) and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer (2023) have dabbled in word-for-word adaptations. However, the first true verbatim feature film, London Road (2015), took this concept to a whole new level, adapting a National Theatre production and setting the real residents' words to music.
Interestingly, many verbatim adaptations have their roots in theater. Uppercase Print began as a play, and the interrogation transcript in Reality Winner was first performed on stage. This genre has a rich history, with the concept of a 'living newspaper' dating back to the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s. Even the House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings inspired a play in the 1970s.
The verbatim style's transition from stage to screen coincides with the rise of hybrid documentaries, an experimental form blending fact and fiction. This year alone, we've seen several contributions to this genre. It's an exciting time for documentary and non-fiction film, with a significant increase in releases and box office takings compared to the early 2000s.
So, why are filmmakers turning to reality for their scripts? Perhaps it's because reality often surpasses fiction in its drama and impact. Transcripts with dramatic potential require minimal editing, and the speakers become characters in their own right. As one filmmaker put it, 'What is unfolding in Gaza is beyond fiction.'
Another hallmark of this new wave is vérité cinematography, which brings a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the films. The Voice of Hind Rajab, for example, combines close-ups and actual recordings, allowing Hind's voice to speak for itself.
In a world where current events can be overwhelming, the appeal of staying close to reality is undeniable. These verbatim movies offer a unique and powerful way to engage with important stories and hard truths.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the words; it's about the impact and the message these films convey. So, what do you think? Are verbatim movies the future of cinema? Or is this trend missing the mark? Let's discuss in the comments!
