Movies about religion and politics are always a bit of a gamble. But when Cyrus Nowrasteh released his political thriller in the middle of a global pandemic, people weren't just talking about the plot—they were obsessed with the cast of Infidel 2020 and how they managed to film such a provocative story in the Middle East. Honestly, it’s a miracle the thing got made without a massive international incident.
Jim Caviezel. That’s the name everyone knows. He’s the anchor. But the supporting players, from Claudia Karvan to Hal Ozsan, are what actually give the film its grit. The story follows Doug Rawlins, a Christian blogger who gets kidnapped in Cairo after some ill-advised remarks on television. It’s heavy. It’s tense. And if you look closely at the credits, you’ll see a mix of Hollywood veterans and international actors who took a genuine risk by appearing in a film that takes such a hard stance against the Iranian regime.
Jim Caviezel and the Weight of Doug Rawlins
Jim Caviezel doesn't do "light" roles. Ever.
Whether he’s playing the Messiah or a man trapped in an Iranian prison, he brings this intense, almost vibrating energy to the screen. In Infidel, he plays Doug Rawlins. Doug is a bit of an idealist, maybe even a little naive, which makes his capture feel even more brutal. Caviezel has been vocal about his faith for decades, and that personal conviction bleeds into the performance. He isn't just acting like a man who refuses to renounce his beliefs; you kind of get the vibe he’d do the same thing in real life.
He's a polarizing figure. There is no way around that. But regardless of what you think of his personal politics, his performance in this film is physically demanding. He spent a significant portion of the shoot looking beaten, bloodied, and exhausted. It’s the kind of role that requires a specific type of actor—someone willing to lean into the discomfort.
Claudia Karvan: The Real Hero of the Story?
While Doug is rotting in a cell, his wife Elizabeth is the one actually moving the needle. Claudia Karvan plays Elizabeth Rawlins, a high-ranking State Department official. Karvan is an absolute powerhouse in Australia, known for things like Love My Way and The Secret Life of Us, but American audiences might recognize her from Daybreakers or even Star Wars: Episode III.
She brings a much-needed groundedness to the cast of Infidel 2020.
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If Doug is the heart, Elizabeth is the brains. She has to navigate the bureaucratic nightmare of the U.S. government while secretly plotting a rescue mission. Karvan plays her with this "done with everyone's nonsense" attitude that feels incredibly authentic. She’s not a damsel in distress; she’s a woman with a security clearance and a very specific set of skills. Without her, the movie would just be a series of torture scenes. She provides the momentum.
Hal Ozsan as the Antagonist You Love to Hate
Every thriller needs a face for the "enemy," and Hal Ozsan delivers as Ramzi. Ozsan has a long history in TV—you’ve probably seen him in The Blacklist, Graceland, or even back in the day on Dawson’s Creek. In this film, he’s slick. He’s dangerous. He’s the guy who thinks he’s the hero of his own story, which is always the best kind of villain.
The chemistry between Ozsan and Caviezel is what makes the interrogation scenes work. It’s a chess match. Ramzi isn't just a caricature; he represents a systemic power that Doug can't hope to defeat on his own. Ozsan plays him with a chilling calmness that makes the outbursts of violence even more jarring.
The Rest of the Ensemble: Finding Authenticity in Jordan
Filming took place in Amman, Jordan. That’s a big deal. You can't fake that kind of sunlight or that specific urban density on a soundstage in Georgia. The cast of Infidel 2020 included a lot of regional talent that helped ground the film in reality.
- Stelio Savante: He plays Pierre, a South African journalist. Savante is a veteran character actor who has been in everything from Ugly Betty to massive video game franchises like Call of Duty. He brings a weary, cynical edge to the film.
- Bijan Daneshmand: As Admiral Hosseini, he represents the upper echelons of the Iranian military. Daneshmand is a staple in international cinema, often popping up in high-stakes political dramas because he has this incredible, commanding presence.
- Isabelle Adriani: Playing Maria El-Khoury, she adds another layer to the international web of characters trying to navigate the crisis.
The movie also features an interesting group of women playing Iranian underground activists. This is where the film gets its most "inspired by true events" feel. Many of these characters are based on real-life stories of people working within the Iranian underground church or democratic movements. The stakes for these characters are arguably higher than they are for the Americans, and the actors play that desperation beautifully.
Why This Cast Mattered More Than Most
Usually, a cast is just a list of names. For Infidel, the casting was a statement.
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Director Cyrus Nowrasteh has a history of making films that upset the status quo. His previous work, The Stoning of Soraya M., was banned in Iran. Because of this, many actors are actually afraid to work with him. They worry about being blacklisted or facing repercussions when traveling in certain parts of the world.
The people who signed on for the cast of Infidel 2020 knew what they were getting into. They knew the film was being executive produced by Dinesh D'Souza, which meant it was going to be marketed to a very specific, politically conservative audience in the States. But they also knew it was a story about human rights and the freedom of speech.
The Risk of Filming in Jordan
Jordan is a relatively stable country, but it’s right in the thick of it. The production had to keep a low profile. There were reports that the Iranian government actually complained to the Jordanian authorities about the film being shot there. When you’re an actor on that set, you aren't just thinking about your lines; you're thinking about the security guards standing just off-camera.
Jim Caviezel mentioned in several interviews that the atmosphere on set was intense. It wasn't a "fun" shoot. It was a mission. That intensity translated to the screen, creating a film that feels much larger than its independent budget would suggest.
The Production Behind the Faces
It’s easy to focus on the actors, but the look of the film—which informs their performances—came from the collaboration between Nowrasteh and cinematographer Joel Ransom. They opted for a raw, handheld feel in the prison scenes. This forced the actors to be more mobile and less "posed."
Infidel isn't a slick, polished Hollywood blockbuster like Mission: Impossible. It’s gritty. It’s dirty. The actors look like they haven't slept, and in many cases, they probably hadn't. The lighting is often harsh, highlighting the wrinkles and the sweat on the faces of the cast of Infidel 2020. It’s an aesthetic of discomfort.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Movie
A common misconception is that Infidel is just a "Christian movie."
It’s not. Not really.
While the protagonist is a Christian, the film is structured as a political espionage thriller. The cast reflects this. You have actors playing Mossad agents, Iranian revolutionaries, and American diplomats. It’s a complex web of geopolitics. If you go into it expecting a sermon, you’ll be surprised by the amount of gunfire and political maneuvering.
The cast had to balance these two worlds. They had to honor the faith-based elements that were important to the producers while maintaining the tension required for a legitimate thriller. Claudia Karvan, in particular, excels here. She plays her role straight, never leaning into the melodrama, which makes the stakes feel real for everyone involved.
Taking Action: How to Explore the Film Further
If you’re interested in the cast of Infidel 2020 or the themes the movie tackles, don’t just stop at the credits. There is a lot of context that makes the performances even more interesting.
- Watch "The Stoning of Soraya M.": This is Cyrus Nowrasteh's earlier film (also starring Jim Caviezel). It gives you a much better understanding of the director's perspective and why he chose this specific cast for Infidel.
- Check out Claudia Karvan’s Australian work: To see just how versatile she is, look for Broken Shore or Puberty Blues. It’s fascinating to see an actress move from high-end Australian drama to a gritty American political thriller.
- Research the filming locations: Look up Amman, Jordan as a filming hub. Seeing the real-life locations where the cast worked helps you appreciate the "vibe" they were trying to capture.
- Follow the production's safety story: There are several interviews where the cast and crew discuss the security measures required during the shoot. It adds a layer of "meta-tension" to the viewing experience.
The film is currently available on most major streaming platforms for rent or purchase. Whether you’re a fan of Jim Caviezel or just a student of political cinema, the cast of Infidel 2020 provides a masterclass in how to handle sensitive, high-stakes material with conviction. They didn't just show up for a paycheck; they showed up to tell a story that they knew would be controversial, and in today's landscape, that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Check the special features if you grab the Blu-ray. There is some behind-the-scenes footage that shows the cast interacting with the local Jordanian crew, which really highlights the international effort it took to bring this story to life. It's a reminder that movies are, at their core, a collaborative effort across cultures, even when the subject matter is about the clash between them.