The Salisbury Poisonings: A Spy Next Door Documentary Explores a Diplomatic Crisis

The upcoming documentary, *The Salisbury Poisonings: A Spy Next Door*, produced by Passion Pictures, CNN Films, and Propagate Content, delves into the 2018 chemical weapon attack in Salisbury, UK, which resulted in a significant international diplomatic crisis. Directed by Dan Vernon, the film is set to premiere at the CPH:DOX festival in Copenhagen next month. It focuses on the incident involving former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who collapsed in a park, leading to widespread investigations and geopolitical tensions.

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The documentary features investigative journalist Christo Grozev, known for his work with Bellingcat, who played a crucial role in identifying the Kremlin operatives responsible for the poisoning. The film includes exclusive interviews with senior UK officials, such as former Prime Minister Theresa May and Home Secretary Amber Rudd, as well as leadership from MI6, the UK’s foreign intelligence service. These perspectives aim to provide insight into the response to the attack and the broader implications of state-sponsored violence.

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The Skripal poisoning incident not only affected the individuals involved but also escalated into a larger confrontation between Russia and the West. The documentary portrays the incident as a dramatic intersection of personal and political narratives, highlighting the complex relationship between Sergei Skripal and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Filmmaker Dan Vernon emphasizes that the film captures the intertwined fates of these figures against the backdrop of a Russia grappling with its past and ambitions.

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Amy Entelis, executive producer at CNN Films, described the documentary as "an incisive, deeply reported film" that illustrates the far-reaching consequences of the attack. Howard T. Owens, Co-CEO of Propagate, remarked that the film reveals the chilling reality of a state-sponsored attack, emphasizing its ongoing global repercussions. Both producers highlight the film's blend of thriller-like tension and informative storytelling.

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While the documentary aims to shed light on the events surrounding the Skripal poisoning, it may face scrutiny regarding its portrayal of the Russian government and the implications of state-sponsored attacks. Critics may argue that the film could reinforce negative perceptions of Russia without fully exploring the complexities of international relations and the narratives from both sides.

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*The Salisbury Poisonings: A Spy Next Door* marks the fourth collaboration between Passion Pictures and CNN Films. Following its premiere at CPH:DOX, the documentary is expected to reach a wider audience, contributing to ongoing discussions about state-sponsored violence and international diplomacy.

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• “Owens, executive producer and Co-CEO of Propagate, observed, “This film exposes the chilling reality of a state-sponsored attack carried out in plain sight, with consequences that continue to reverberate far beyond Salisbury.” — Howard T. Owens, Co-CEO, Propagate Content

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• “Regarding the new documentary, Amy Entelis, executive producer at CNN Films, said, “The Salisbury Poisonings: A Spy Next Door is an incisive, deeply reported film that captures the far-reaching consequences of a single, extraordinary act.” — Amy Entelis, Executive Producer, CNN Films

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