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Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Louis Theroux: The Settlers review – Documentary paints a grim picture of life in the West Bank
Back in the 1990s, he specialised in knowing winks to camera, deploying a mixture of charm and carefully calibrated haplessness to gain the confidence of his subjects. Usually, these weren't particularly serious people – but even if they were, he tended to undermine them by accentuating their absurdity. White supremacists, for example, or Christian nationalists, weren't seen as much more than fodder for mockery back then. So much for those innocent, flippant times: Theroux is older and wiser and, in any case, has been hunting for bigger game for some years now. He first visited Israeli settlers in the Palestinian West Bank back in 2011. Even then, it wasn't a situation that invited levity in any way. His return in BBC Two's Louis Theroux: The Settlers uncovers an even bleaker modern reality. A decade and a half ago, the people he met felt like outliers. His original documentary was called Ultra Zionists, a title that told its own story. Now, this once-fringe group are represented at the very heart of the Israeli government: Israel's current minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is seen on a stage during this film, whipping up the crowd. In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, this is their time. 'Welcome to Judea,' says settler Ari Abramowitz when Theroux arrives at his home. Abramowitz's abode is illegal under international law – he's armed to the teeth, and these settlements (essentially residential incursions into Palestinian territory) are guarded by the Israeli army in defiance of the law. What emerges is an ideology of closed loops. 'Where is the nearest Palestinian town?' asks Theroux. 'I'm so uncomfortable using that word,' Abramowitz replies, objecting to the descriptor 'Palestinian'. 'I don't think they exist as a real nation, with a real claim to this land.' He sees himself as 'the tip of the spear... defending the entire Western world'. The land, he believes, belongs to Israel. His proof is the Bible – a document that, as Theroux points out, is essentially regarded as a land deed by the settlers. Abramowitz, incidentally, hails originally from Texas. Everywhere Theroux goes, he bumps up against the same brick wall. 'The land is ours. Palestine doesn't exist. It's not a matter for debate' This rigidity eventually causes a narrative problem for the documentary. Everywhere Theroux goes, he bumps up against the same brick wall. 'The land is ours. Palestine doesn't exist. It's not a matter for debate.' Accordingly, the film isn't really packed with an escalating series of revelations, just an escalating sense of futility, as the same arguments are repeated almost ritualistically. The rigidity is the point. Still, even unconsciously, plenty of issues are clarified. Daniella Weiss, the 79-year-old known as the 'godmother' of the settler movement, is clear about where she stands in relation to the Israeli government. 'Netanyahu... is very happy about what we do here. But he cannot say it.' Essentially, she's confirming the existence of a state agenda that runs contrary to the Geneva Conventions. But sadly, the world doesn't currently seem interested in intervening. Theroux's implicit message here is essentially moderate and compromising. He posits a two-state solution and asks the settlers he meets whether it concerns them that the level of threat they evidently feel might be shared by the people they regard as mortal enemies. Again, he hits a revealing blankness – the lack of concern for Palestinian civilians is as absolute as the scorn for international law. Often, this manifests as a sort of deadly, weaponised pettiness. A group of Palestinians harvesting olives are menaced by a group of heavily armed IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers. Theroux meets Issa, a Palestinian man who gives him a guided tour of Hebron. Everything is closed. It's an impossible maze of checkpoints. IDF soldiers are everywhere, checking papers, obstructing movement, proscribing free will. There's clearly a tactic of making life impossible in a practical sense, in the hope that Palestinians will leave out of sheer despair. And many have. Towards the end of the film, Theroux stops at a West Bank checkpoint and a soldier asks him how long he intends to stay in Israel. It feels like a Freudian slip: does this representative of Israeli state power already consider the acquisition, occupation and incorporation of this land a done deal? He's now added seriousness – and even, at times, a degree of physical bravery And the realisation occurs that eliciting these tiny moments of accidental honesty is still Theroux's biggest strength as an interviewer. People don't feel threatened by him. They're inclined to open up. At the beginning of his career, he often deployed this skill in the service of frivolity. He's now added seriousness – and even, at times, a degree of physical bravery. He's been criticised in some quarters for platforming this particular strain of extremism, but no one is getting off the hook here – and, in fact, challenging people who seem beyond the pale is hardly unfamiliar territory for Theroux. Arguably, given that the situation he's examining feels like an endlessly repeating horror show, it becomes all the more important that documentary makers find a way in. For all the familiarity of his techniques – and even if his subjects seem tragically stuck – Louis Theroux continues to evolve. Rating: Four stars © UK Independent
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What critics are saying about Louis Theroux's TV return
Louis Theroux 's new documentary The Settlers revisits the Israeli settlers in the Palestinian West Bank 14 years after his initial film, Ultra Zionists. The film examines the settlers' perspective, including their denial of Palestine's existence as a nation, alongside the experiences of Palestinians living under occupation. Theroux's gentle interviewing style allows his subjects to speak freely, revealing their worldviews, even those considered extreme. Critics have praised Theroux's approach, highlighting his ability to challenge extremist viewpoints without directly confronting them. The Settlers has been lauded as a masterful work, showcasing Theroux's signature interviewing style in a serious and potentially dangerous context.
The Guardian
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: Louis Theroux is back on top form in West Bank documentary
9pm, BBC Two Louis returns to form as he revisits the West Bank, where he first spent time in 2011 for his Ultra Zionists documentary. He now goes in the wake of the 7 October attacks, as a growing number of Israeli religious nationalists settle in the occupied Palestinian territory – with support from the highest levels of government. It's a tense watch as the documentarian speaks with people from all sides, including Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist, who is not free to roam his own city of Hebron, and the aggressively outspoken 'godmother' of the movement, Daniella Weiss, who in their parting conversation makes a bewildering point by physically pushing Theroux. Hollie Richardson 9pm, U&W New Orleans is dubbed the 'murder capital' of the US, where crime is much higher than the national average – and women are no exception. In this intriguing series, Katie Piper, who seeks to understand violence after being attacked with acid 17 years ago, talks to female inmates, starting with Tonica who killed her husband after she was abused. HR 8pm, ITV1 Det Supt Roy Grace (John Simm) has the Merchant in his sights – a high-level Brighton drug dealer with possible links to a puzzling double murder case. But nailing the man behind the moniker proves trickier than expected, especially with the shadow of corrupt cop Cassian Pewe still hanging over East Sussex CID. Ellen E Jones 9pm, BBC One 'You and me, man on man, no blades, no shooters …' The moody Liverpool crime drama ramps up the action as icy fixer Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and bolshie heir apparent Jamie (Jack McMullen) agree to a no-holds-barred cage match. At stake? Personal pride, and the late Ronnie's entire drug operation. Graeme Virtue 9pm, Channel 4 More joyous musical performances as Claudia Winkleman takes judges Mika and Jon Batiste to Sheffield station. A professional footballer accompanies his piano playing with a sweet singing solo, somebody whips out a brass instrument and an original composition inspired by anglerfish gets its debut. HR 9pm, Sky Comedy His Edinburgh fringe shows never gained much traction but, post-Ted Lasso fame, Brett Goldstein has been able to get together his first ever standup special – and on HBO/Max/Sky Comedy, no less! Expect an hour of suave and self-deprecating British-American cross-cultural insights. EEJ High & Low: John Galliano, out now, Netflix Starting with footage of the British fashion designer's career-ending antisemitic outburst in a Paris bar in 2010, Kevin Macdonald's fascinating documentary never shies away from the contradictions at the heart of its colourful subject. Proclaimed a 'genius' by journalists and his industry peers, John Galliano rose rapidly from Saint Martins student to ruling the haute couture roost at Dior. But 'fashion's wild boy' was also an alcoholic and prescription drug abuser with an intense workload, leading to egotism, excess and a criminal conviction. Simon Wardell London Marathon, 8.30am, BBC One Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee makes his marathon debut in the 45th edition. Premier League Football: Bournemouth v Man United, 1pm, Sky Sports Main Event Followed by Liverpool v Tottenham at 4pm.
Arab News
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
BBC announces new West Bank documentary with journalist Louis Theroux
LONDON: The BBC announced on Monday that journalist Louis Theroux is to produce a new documentary examining Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The investigative journalist is to travel to the region to meet members of the growing ultra-nationalist settler community. Theroux previously covered the topic in his 2010 documentary 'Ultra Zionists,' which explored life in the contested territory. His new documentary, 'Louis Theroux: The Settlers,' will revisit the issue in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Theroux said: '(Since 2010) those same extreme settlers are even more emboldened. 'I'm interested in ideologues and fundamentalists of all stripes. In going back to the West Bank I wanted to see settler expansionism up close, and the human cost it entails.' The BBC said Theroux will 'embed himself in the West Bank,' meeting prominent settlers and traveling through the territory in his signature style. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, yet have long been protected by the Israeli security forces. Since the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and about 250 taken hostage, settler violence against Palestinian communities has escalated, with reports of forced expulsions and land seizures. US President Donald Trump recently revoked an executive order issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, that sanctioned far-right Israeli settler groups and individuals accused of violence against Palestinians. Experts warn that the move could embolden settler aggression and further undermine prospects for Palestinian statehood. Theroux said: 'It's a story specific to a time and a place and a region, but it's also a universal insight into tribalism and the ways in which we can blind ourselves to the humanity of those around us.'
