By Lily Wells. Sub-edited by Laura Quero
Currently on Putin’s Kill list is Christo Grozev, most famous for identifying Russian operatives such as those involved in the 2018 Salisbury Novichok poisoning. For this he earned himself and his colleagues the European Prize for Investigative Journalism. Both this and uncovering the secrets behind threats to Russian opposition leader Navalny in 2020 acted as the catalyst for the subsequent bounty on his head.
This two-part Channel 4 documentary follows Grozev as the threat on his life develops, an ominous reality of Russian intelligence and their procedure in keeping Putin’s secrets hidden, no matter the cost. The story is told by Grozev himself and includes emotional accounts from his family and friends. As threats to his life came closer, he battled with the question: should he continue his dangerous enquiries into a Russian sore spot or leave it in the past to protect the ones he loves?
This documentary is presented in chronological order using a range of journalistic approaches, providing a tense and emotional atmosphere throughout. A continuous narration by Grozev overlays clips from various news channels, interviews with various important individuals and some simulated acting/animated scenes to bring the story to life. A balance between objectivity and subjectivity with factual evidence and the first-hand accounts of those involved gave this documentary its well-rounded authenticity. For example, a clip showed Putin’s speech in 2022 calling for the crack down on ‘traitors, spies and saboteurs’ followed by an on-screen transition to six days later where Grozev found out he was on the Russian wanted list. Threatening music plays to build suspense; the story can be seen unfolding piece by piece from his perspective.
Additionally, case studies into other individuals also threatened by the Russian state are provided to magnify the true threat of the ‘secret killing machine’ to the viewer. Fundamentally, the documentary is presented as a non-fictional thriller with astounding evidence and first-hand accounts that cannot be argued against. The storytelling techniques used convey how effective a correct combination of presentation, factual evidence and music can be, if done right. I have been influenced by the impactful message and story this documentary gives, the storytelling techniques used here will aid me in my own journalism practice to create an atmosphere that incites empathy, relatability and engagement.