It’s 2026, and the partisan anxiety is at an all-time high. Homing in on Islamophobia, The Saviors risk exposing suburban stereotypes through several cultural differentials ranging from cuisine, family values and attire to cover-ups, lies and even technology. This film forces open a door of discussion with a platform of paranoia, self-doubt and pent-up tension. It channels the familiar unease many of us have encountered.  

Sean (a wonderfully wary role by Adam Scott) is in a marriage slump, unable to escape the failure of his relationship with the lovely Kim (a strong portrayal from Danielle Deadwyler). Once in love, his stagnation for finding work or reinvigorating a sense of purpose has deflated his wife’s adoration for her now faltering husband. Surrendering most of his time in the family home’s mancave, the broken couple open their small guest house as an Airbnb which becomes occupied by a Muslim brother and sister.  

Amir is the devoted and protective brother to his deaf sister, Jahan. Grateful to these homeowners for allowing them to live on their property, they gather for a first night’s dinner: Sean’s famous homemade chili, which is considered a special treat for the newcomers as they typically eat greens and potatoes. “Letting strangers stay with them, is a great step for humanity” as signed by Jahan. Yes, indeed and the only off-color incident during this meal is Sean’s corny jokes.  

Cleo is Sean’s eccentric sister who frequently drops by to see her unemployed, unmotivated brother as he stews in his listlessness. Once the foreigners’ arrival has been shared, Cleo immediately concludes “sleeper cell” in a strained attempt at humor which unfortunately, plants the seed of suspicion in Sean’s mind. Could the siblings be hiding who they really are?  

Strange packages of maps and blueprints arrive. Kim’s journal goes missing. Noise and “laser” lights flash from the unit. And whatever had Kim discouraging Sean from investigating these occupants further has now become a dual agreement to thwart their “mission of terrorism.” Staking out their movements, catching Amir and Jahan in lies and the atmosphere of mounting skepticism convinces Sean and Kim that they have opened their home to an extremely hostile operation.  

All the while our American hero-couple is creating a file of evidence against these conspirators, the Islamic duo unwittingly provides them with more reasons to doubt their identity. Hovering around the backyard during the middle of the night, luring a neighbor’s dog into their rental space (which soon becomes a “Missing Dog” flyer) and bizarre reaction to the sound of crickets chirping only reinforces the anxiety that they are harboring would-be extremists.

The paranoia continues into an all-time high after they research conspiracy theories online, begin sharing similar nightmares and note the upcoming visit of the US president to their town. It all makes sense now. Under a veil of delusional speculation fed through others such as Sean’s right-winged parents to the offbeat private investigator, Jim (a scene-stealing Greg Kinnear whose 70’s stylized garb adds to the humor!), why would they believe otherwise? As Sean’s family strongly conveys: “Facts can’t be racist!” True. But what if the facts are missing?