Winner of Best Editing in a Feature Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival 2024

“At this difficult moment in the world’s history – we commend the filmmakers and editors ability to craft a narrative with clarity and urgency – and to ring alarm bells for the consequences of vicious attacks on journalists. For its crisp and compelling narrative.”

Jury Statement

Winner of the Conflict and Resolution Prize at the Hamptons International Film Festival, awarded by the Brizzolara Family Foundation

Nominated for F:ACT Award at CPH:DOX

“Gripping… powerful... like a Hollywood thriller, the film has a Michael Mann-like dynamism and pathos."

The Guardian

“From its very first moments, “Antidote” unspools like a propulsive thriller. Director James Jones’ galvanizing documentary moves at a fast speed to tell its high-stakes story about Vladimir Putin’s Russia, contemporary investigative journalism and the people who put their lives in jeopardy for what they believe in.

Loss, separation and dread fuel the anxieties of these people at all times. What the film smartly uncovers is why they continue to do what they do.

Jones and editor Rupert Houseman manage to infuse drama and tension, using quick cuts and seamless transitions between the many narrative threads.

This is not a film about what politicians stand for or why they oppose their governments, but rather a story about how a team of journalists uncovers a conspiracy and the impact it has on their lives and the lives of the people they are writing about.

...a rousing, feature-length call to action.”

Variety

“Unnerving...A real life thriller"

The Hollywood Reporter

“I doubt I’ll see a better or more important documentary this year than Antidote.

Every single second of Antidote is absolutely riveting. This movie is a tribute to the people who possess the courage to stand up against his tyranny, even though it puts a target on their backs.”

The Aisle Seat

"A story that demands to be heard."

Roger Ebert

"Awe-inspiring… Nothing less than chilling - and chillingly representative of the current world order"

The Financial Times

“Gripping documentary…  remarkable… plays out like a heart-pounding thriller.

Antidote - essential viewing for anyone with half an eye on the current geopolitical landscape - couldn’t be more timely.”

The Observer

“This documentary, directed by James Jones, paints a compelling picture of the life-threatening risks endured by those bold enough to stand against systemic oppression. Not only is this one of the most timely films, but it also reaches beyond the depths of the story being told.

ANTIDOTE does more than chronicle these larger-than-life stories; it is a stark countermeasure to the pervasive lies and corruption plaguing Putin’s administration.

In essence, ANTIDOTE is a poignant exploration of bravery against overwhelming odds... This documentary is a formidable testament to the enduring power of integrity and justice in the relentless face of oppression.”

Overly Honest Movie Review

"A real-life high stakes thriller"

Filmmaker Magazine

"An incredible film"

Erin Burnett, CNN

“Superb and urgent film… Jones’ Antidote inspires.”

Blogcritics

“Antidote is a vital, intimate look at heroes battling a historic monster, and the grace and courage it takes to continue the fight.”

Kevin Lally on Film

"James Jones, one might say, created a sinister detective thriller, operating exclusively with facts and first-hand accounts. He tried to answer the question of what the price might be for telling the truth if you tell it straight to the face of totalitarian power. In the investigative film Antidote, he follows the fates of the brave men who challenged Putin and his regime, immersing the viewer in an atmosphere full of suspense and reminiscent of the spy novels of John le Carré."

Voice of America

“A galvanizing look into courage’s costs… Director James Jones crafts Antidote with a pulse-pounding drive that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. He shows the high-stakes work of truth-tellers is no less thrilling than your favorite action flick.

Jones captures it all with dynamic tension. Quick cuts and seamless storytelling between characters keep the suspense high as loose ends come together. Even methodical detective work becomes an edge-of-your-seat experience in his skilled hands. Difficult subjects are confronted head-on yet handled with the utmost care.

So if you’re seeking a film with timely insight into our unsettled world, look no further. Through probing investigation and passionate subjects, Antidote transforms abstraction into flesh and feats of courage close enough to feel. In doing so, it becomes far more than a story—it becomes inspiration for us all.

So when credits roll, inspiration gathered compels us to stand up for what’s right, come what may. United in this cause, our voice and resolve together form a roar that tyrants cannot drown out. And step by step, through lights like those the film celebrates, the dawn of justice one day breaks.”

Gazettely

"James Jones’ intimate and assertive lens follows three individuals on the frontlines of this campaign against repression and violence: a whistleblower from inside Russia’s “poison program” as he attempts to flee the country, a leading political activist who was poisoned twice and is now accused of treason, and a man who leads the charge on revealing Putin’s criminal network and, as a result, is forced to go into hiding himself. 

Anchored by kinetic storytelling and a determined clarity of purpose, Antidote throws into stark relief the deadly consequences and ramifications of Putin’s schemes and fearlessly foregrounds individuals willing to lose it all in the name of justice and accountability."

Jose Rodriguez, Tribeca Film Festival

A deeply immersed and urgent film that reveals the cost of standing up to Vladimir Putin and telling the truth about modern Russia. It follows a whistleblower from inside Russia's poison programme as he attempts to escape, a prominent political activist who is poisoned twice and now stands trial for treason, and the man exposing Putin's murder machine as he is forced to go on the run himself.

Directed and Produced by James Jones

Editor: Rupert Houseman

Co-Producer: Vivien Jones

Executive Producers: Jim & Susan Swartz, Nina & David Fialkow, Maiken Baird, Jens von Bahr, John Driscoll, Alexia Blaze, Molly & Kevin Efrusy, Jenny Raskin, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Joanna Potts, Nevine Mabro, Louisa Compton, Eliot Higgins, Christo Grozev, Hamish Fergusson, Andrew Ruhemann

Production Executive: Tom Cross

Composer: Uno Helmersson

Animation: David Penn

Cinematography: Edgar Dubrovksiy, Jean-Louis Schuller

Production Coordinator: Will Hofman

Production Manager: Skye McCann

Impact Partners in association with Passion Pictures and Bellingcat Productions.