Mr. Jones (2019) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Mr. Jones (2019) is a political thriller directed by acclaimed Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, known for her films with deep historical and social commentary. Set during the 1930s, the film tells the gripping true story of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, who uncovered one of the 20th century’s most horrific atrocities: the Holodomor, the man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine that killed millions of people under Joseph Stalin’s regime. Through its tense narrative, compelling performances, and stark visual storytelling, Mr. Jones is a thought-provoking film that blends journalism, political intrigue, and historical tragedy.
This review will delve into the film’s plot, performances, direction, and where you can watch it online.
Plot Summary
Mr. Jones follows the journey of Gareth Jones (played by James Norton), a real-life British journalist who gained recognition for his interviews with world leaders such as Adolf Hitler. After covering Hitler’s rise to power in Germany, Jones becomes curious about the Soviet Union’s rapid industrialization and wonders how Stalin is financing his ambitious five-year plan. Determined to find the truth, Jones travels to Moscow, where he quickly realizes that something sinister is at play, especially when he hears whispers about famine in Ukraine—a famine the Soviet government is desperate to keep hidden.
Jones embarks on a dangerous and unauthorized trip to Ukraine, where he witnesses the devastating effects of the Holodomor. Starving villages, corpses lining the streets, and the horrors of Stalin’s policies come into stark focus as Jones risks his life to report the truth. Along the way, he encounters fellow journalist Walter Duranty (Peter Sarsgaard), the Pulitzer Prize-winning Moscow bureau chief for The New York Times, who plays a controversial role in the story by downplaying or outright denying the famine in his articles.
The film juxtaposes Jones’ determination to expose the Soviet atrocities with the global political landscape, particularly the West’s reluctance to confront Stalin’s regime for fear of jeopardizing trade relations. Jones faces skepticism and hostility upon his return to the UK, but he continues to speak out, despite immense pressure to stay silent.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Agnieszka Holland’s direction in Mr. Jones is gripping and immersive. She masterfully portrays the oppressive atmosphere of Stalin’s Soviet Union, with bleak, wintry landscapes that reflect the despair and suffering of the Ukrainian people. The film’s cinematography by Tomasz Naumiuk is particularly striking—gray, desolate, and haunting. The stark contrast between the opulence of the Soviet elite in Moscow and the dire poverty of the Ukrainian peasants underscores the political and social divide.
Holland uses a slow-burning, methodical approach to build tension throughout the film, allowing the viewer to feel Jones’ growing sense of unease as he uncovers the brutal reality of the famine. The harrowing scenes of starvation in Ukraine are visceral and unflinching, making it clear why Jones felt compelled to risk everything to report the truth.
The film also makes effective use of sound and silence, particularly in the Ukrainian sequences, where the absence of dialogue or music emphasizes the overwhelming sense of isolation and hopelessness. The minimalistic score by composer Antoni Komasa-Łazarkiewicz complements the film’s tone, adding emotional weight without overpowering the story.
Performances
James Norton delivers a strong and nuanced performance as Gareth Jones. Norton captures both the idealism and naivete of a young journalist determined to uncover the truth, as well as the emotional and physical toll his journey takes on him. His portrayal of Jones’ transformation—from a curious observer to a man profoundly affected by the horrors he witnesses—is both subtle and powerful.
Peter Sarsgaard is equally compelling as Walter Duranty, the enigmatic and morally compromised journalist who chooses to support Stalin’s regime, whether out of self-interest or fear. Sarsgaard’s Duranty is a complex character, charming yet insidious, offering a chilling look at the complicity of Western journalists in hiding the truth of the Holodomor from the world.
Vanessa Kirby plays Ada Brooks, a fictional character based on several Western correspondents working in Moscow at the time. As a love interest and ally to Jones, Kirby brings warmth and emotional depth to her role, though the character’s significance is somewhat overshadowed by the film’s larger political themes.
Themes Explored
Mr. Jones is a film that tackles several heavy themes, chief among them the role of journalism in holding power to account and the moral responsibility of telling the truth, even when it is inconvenient or dangerous. The film explores the sacrifices journalists like Gareth Jones make in the pursuit of truth, juxtaposing his integrity with the complicity of figures like Duranty, who prioritize personal or political gain over human lives.
The film also touches on the theme of denial—both political and personal. The Soviet government’s propaganda machine worked tirelessly to suppress information about the Holodomor, while Western governments and media were often reluctant to challenge Stalin due to political and economic concerns. Holland’s film raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of journalists and governments in the face of humanitarian crises.
Additionally, Mr. Jones explores the devastating human cost of totalitarian regimes, reminding audiences of the fragility of truth in the face of powerful political forces. The film serves as a sobering reminder of how easily atrocities can be covered up and how vital it is for the truth to be told.
Where to Watch Mr. Jones Online
For those looking to watch Mr. Jones (2019), it is available on various platforms for streaming, rental, and purchase, particularly in the United States.
Subscription Streaming Services
- Hulu
Mr. Jones is available on Hulu in the U.S. Subscribers can stream the film as part of Hulu’s extensive catalog of films and TV shows. - Amazon Prime Video (Subscription)
In some regions, Mr. Jones is available for streaming through an Amazon Prime Video subscription. This platform offers high-definition streaming, making it a good option for watching the film with quality visuals and sound.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or own the film, Mr. Jones can be found on a number of digital platforms.
- Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase)
In addition to its subscription service, Amazon Prime Video offers Mr. Jones for rent or purchase. The film can be rented for a 48-hour viewing window, or purchased for permanent access. This is a flexible option for viewers who may not have a Hulu subscription. - Apple TV
Apple TV also provides the option to rent or purchase Mr. Jones. With this platform, you can stream the film on any Apple device or through the Apple TV app on various smart devices. - Google Play Movies
Google Play Movies offers Mr. Jones for rent or purchase. You can watch it on Android devices, web browsers, or any device that supports Google Play Movies. Google’s platform allows for easy viewing across multiple devices. - Vudu
Mr. Jones is available for rent or purchase on Vudu, another popular platform for streaming high-definition films. Vudu is compatible with a variety of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. - YouTube Movies
You can also rent or purchase Mr. Jones through YouTube Movies. This option is convenient for those who prefer streaming directly through YouTube and offers flexibility across devices.
Conclusion
Mr. Jones (2019) is a powerful and thought-provoking historical drama that sheds light on a forgotten chapter of history. Through the lens of Gareth Jones’ brave journalism, the film exposes the horrors of the Holodomor and raises important questions about the role of truth in times of political crisis. James Norton delivers a standout performance, supported by a strong cast and Agnieszka Holland’s masterful direction.
Whether you’re interested in political thrillers, historical dramas, or films about the power of journalism, Mr. Jones is a must-watch. With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to find this important film and experience its chilling portrayal of one of the darkest moments of the 20th century.
