The film effectively critiques the way the media indulges into people’s private lives. At times, the camera’s perspective switches to iPhone or home video footage being taken of Sandra and Samuel while being questioned, feeling akin to true-crime documentaries. But the real story is grounded in character work: the real meat of the drama is found within the courtroom, which Triet and Arthur Harari’s sharp screenplay understands thoroughly.

"The Insult" is a breathtaking and powerful nominee for this year’s Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film — and rightfully so.