The Bibi Files

What do you expect to get from watching a movie? If the goal is to enjoy, and not for example to get sick to the point of vomiting, this movie may not be for you.

Through tapes of investigations of Netanyahu and his family, he tells the story of a hedonistic and morally degenerate man, who will not let anything stop him on the way to his goal.

For Israelis it probably won't do much new. They know their PM well: The fine rhetoric, the low execution ability and the moral corruption. Still for me, an Israeli, it was very interesting to watch the defiant attitude of Netanyahu and his family towards the police investigators, to understand their thug metality, to realise they'll do anything for him to stay in power - which he probably will untill convicted somewhere around 2026, leaving heavily devided and demaged Israel behind him.

A classic story for anyone with even the slightest interest in politics, whatever your country of origin.

As a Frenchman, the corruption of this Israeli politician often reminded me of the life of Nicolas Sarkozy, except that we managed to get rid of him after his first term.

Apart from the fact that we learn that the entire Netanyahu family is just as corrupt as he is, and completely full of themselves, like people who enjoy their own gastric emanations.

His desperate attempt to stay in power with the dregs of humanity, namely Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, leaves only one ominous horizon for the region's near future.

The status of perpetual war launched in 2023 will enable this tyrant to remain in power indefinitely, leaving the way clear for the extremists who want to annex the whole of the Palestinian landmass and beyond, while being supported by the army and institutions of a state on the verge of implosion.

The Bibi Files is a bold and meticulously crafted documentary that shines a light on some of the most controversial aspects of Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure as Prime Minister of Israel. Far from being vague or unfounded, the documentary offers a compelling narrative supported by diverse sources and insights that challenge the status quo.

The strength of The Bibi Files lies in its ability to weave together personal testimonies, political analysis, and historical context to create a multifaceted portrait of one of Israel's most polarizing figures. The individuals interviewed may not all be high profile or immediately recognizable, but their perspectives offer a ground-level view of the social, economic, and political ripple effects of Netanyahu's policies. This approach underscores the documentary's commitment to amplifying voices that are often overshadowed in mainstream discourse.

Critics may dismiss the film as biased, but such an assertion overlooks its clear focus on presenting evidence and arguments that spark critical thought. The filmmakers challenge viewers to connect the dots themselves, fostering a more engaged and questioning audience. While it does not adopt the rigid investigative style of something like Gold Mafia, its approach is no less valid - offering a more humanized and relatable exploration of its subject.

The timing of the documentary is also poignant, coinciding with a pivotal moment in Israel's political landscape. This synchronicity amplifies the relevance of its message and provides a vital lens for understanding current events.

"The Bibi Files," directed by Alexis Bloom, dives deep into the heart of a leader whose persona has become almost inseparable from the nation he governs. Through a gripping mix of revealing interviews and leaked interrogation footage, Bloom crafts a character study that's as fascinating as it is unsettling. Benjamin Netanyahu emerges not just as a politician fighting to survive but as a symbol of how ego can turn a leader into a threat to a nation's stability.

The documentary's narrative structure is flawless. Bloom builds her case with the precision of an investigator and the pacing of a seasoned storyteller, letting the facts speak for themselves. Over 115 minutes, the film lays bare a leader obsessed with his own image, wielding Israel's flag not as a unifying symbol but as a shield to protect his position. The claim that Netanyahu perpetuates the Gaza conflict as a ploy to avoid imprisonment on corruption charges is presented with a rare balance: it's supported by evidence and nuance, yet it doesn't shy away from the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.

Bloom's greatest strength lies in weaving the personal and the political together. The leaked interrogation footage captures Netanyahu at his rawest-defensive, theatrical, constantly framing his actions as sacrifices for Israel's greater good. This juxtaposition of the man and the myth feels almost like a Greek epic, with Netanyahu cast as a tragic hero whose inability to separate his survival from his nation's puts both at risk. His relentless declarations of innocence, coupled with grandiose claims about "Israel's best interests," skirt the edge of comedy, but the real-world consequences of his actions are devastatingly serious.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary is its portrayal of Sara Netanyahu. While Benjamin commands the spotlight, Sara looms as a silent but insatiable force behind the scenes. Testimonies from former associates paint her as someone whose influence extends far beyond the domestic sphere, shaping political decisions through extravagant demands and subtle manipulations. Even in her limited on-screen moments, Sara's presence evokes comparisons to classic tragic archetypes like Medea. Bloom doesn't just suggest Sara's pivotal role in Netanyahu's power dynamics; she raises unsettling questions about how power is wielded and distributed within their inner circle.

Visually, "The Bibi Files" is austere but effective. The editing is straightforward, allowing the footage to speak for itself, while the understated score maintains tension without overwhelming the viewer. Bloom steers clear of sensationalism, trusting the weight of the information to carry the film. This minimalist aesthetic mirrors the gravity of the subject matter and amplifies the urgency of the documentary's message.

At its core, the film isn't just a critique of Netanyahu but a sharp examination of how power can erode democracy. Bloom highlights how Netanyahu's decisions have left Israel vulnerable-not just in terms of physical security but institutionally-by prioritizing his family's interests over the nation's collective well-being. It's a sobering warning about the cost of leaders who see themselves as indispensable, turning nations into reflections of their own ambitions.

"The Bibi Files" demands attention and reflection. It's both an exposé and a political tragedy unfolding in real time. Alexis Bloom delivers a cinematic piece that goes beyond mere factual reporting, urging viewers to consider the dangers of conflating leaders with myths and governments with dynasties. The result is a film as provocative as it is necessary.

Beyond the explicit corruption charges, "The Bibi Files" suggests a more sinister undercurrent: that Netanyahu's relentless pursuit to evade justice has deeply impacted Israel's political landscape and even its security. The documentary posits that his efforts to avoid prosecution influenced his political decisions, including his attempts to weaken the judiciary, which sparked massive protests across Israel. It even implies a connection between his legal entanglements and his approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting that prolonging the war could serve as a means to delay his trial and maintain power.

What makes "The Bibi Files" particularly impactful is its use of raw, unvarnished interrogation footage. This direct access to the private world of the Netanyahus, usually hidden behind carefully constructed public images, is both voyeuristic and deeply revealing. It provides a chilling insight into the mentality of a leader and his inner circle, whose sense of entitlement seemingly knows no bounds. The film's meticulous organization of this vast amount of footage into a coherent timeline is commendable, allowing the viewer to follow the complex legal and political threads.