Not to sound too cynical, but on paper, you get the distinct impression that The Mauritanian was precision engineered to be a serious awards season contender, based on both the subject matter and talent involved on either side of the camera. Adapted from the memoir by Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who was held for fourteen years in Guantanamo Bay without being charged, the prestige drama sees a dogged defense attorney seeking justice for her client, before a series of revelations begin to unravel a wide-ranging conspiracy.