Peyman Moaadi confronts Kristen Stewart in ‘Camp X-Ray’

IFC Films has released this exclusive clip from its upcoming Guantanamo Bay drama Camp X-Ray in which Kristen Stewart (Snow White and the Huntsman) plays Private Amy Cole, a newly assigned soldier who befriends a detainee (Peyman Moaadi from A Separation) imprisoned for eight years at the infamous camp. 

As graphic artist Peter Sattler’s (the 2009 Star Trek) first feature film as both writer and director, he couldn’t have chosen a more controversial and weighty subject matter. If this clip is any indication however, he seems to pull it off, through the two very relatable and developed characters on opposite sides of the fence (they start their bond through a shared affinity for the Harry Potter series). Although this role is a departure for Stewart from her portrayal as Bella Swan in the Twilight Saga, it is a reflection of the focused character work she has been doing recently. Her roles in the critically-acclaimed Clouds of Sils Maria opposite Juliette Binoche (The English Patient) and Still Alice with Julianne Moore (The Hours) mark a successful year in film for the actress, with her ensemble film Anesthesia still waiting on distribution.

Camp X-Ray also stars Lane Garrison (Prison Break), Tara Holt (Empire State), John Carol Lynch (Gran Torino), and JJ Soria (Crank: High Voltage). Check out the clip below courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, in which Stewart’s Amy Cole attempts to level with prisoner Ali Amir. The film is slotted for an October 17th release date and in the meantime you can see the trailer here.