An overheard conversation leads a woman into a dark world of deadly intrigue in this political thriller. Silvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) is an African émigré who works as an interpreter at the United Nations. One of the languages she understands is Ku, a dialect spoken in her home country of Matobo. One day, as the General Assembly auditorium is being evacuated for a routine security sweep, Broome overhears a man speaking in Ku, who makes a cryptic statement that could be interpreted as a threat against the life of Zuwanie (Earl Cameron), Matobos controversial ruler. Secret Service agent Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) is brought in to investigate Broomes story, and it isnt long before hes convinced that she knows more than shes willing to tell. As Keller and his partner, Dot Woods (Catherine Keener), dig deeper into Broomes story as well as her past, they discover a shocking tale of violence and corruption tied to Zuwanies regime. The Interpreter was directed by Sydney Pollack, who also appears in a brief supporting role. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide