This is Cyrus Nowrasteh's second movie which deals with Iranian corruption and the problems within Iran.
This is one of the first new movies in 2020 to mention the Coronavirus.
This is the second movie which Jim Caviezel and Stelio Savante act in together. The first was Tutto l'amore per Grace (2018).
Doug's story appears to be inspired by real life kidnapping of American journalist Terry Anderson who was held hostage by Hezbullah from 1985 - 1991 during the Lebanese Civil War. At the time of his release, Anderson was considered to be the longest held journalist in captivity. Whereas Doug was kidnapped for religious reasons, Anderson's kidnapping was in response to America's involvement and support of Israel's intervention in Lebanon particularly during 1982 Israel invasion of Lebanon.