This documentary plays like a real spy thriller. Its protagonists, in the name of their convictions, challenge the psychopathic ruler of the Kremlin. These investigative journalists are the titular antidote to the poison of the Russian secret services, which both literally and figuratively taint the institutions of the free world. The film's key figure and guide to this universe of spies, provocateurs, and double agents is Christo Grozev—a former specialist in Russian affairs at the Bellingcat investigative portal, now living under the protection of U.S. services. The filmmakers meticulously document Grozev's efforts, which ultimately help a secret chemical laboratory employee of the FSB defect to the West. It was this lab that created substances used by Russian agents to assassinate Putin's opponents abroad. Jones' gripping film reveals the staggering scope of the Moscow regime's operations, but more importantly, it pays tribute to those who suffer for standing by their beliefs.

Konrad Wirkowski