A poignant new documentary on Netflix, *Grenfell: Uncovered*, sheds light on the catastrophic fire that claimed 72 lives at Grenfell Tower in 2017. Directed by Olaide Sadiq, the film explores the systemic failures that led to the tragedy, offering a voice to those affected and challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about classism, corporate negligence, and government inaction.
A Brother’s Heartbreak
Omar Alhaj Ali vividly recalls the sense of hope he and his brother, Mohammad, felt upon arriving in the UK from Syria in 2014. “We were so happy to be safe,” he reminisces. Their journey from the war-torn city of Daraa was marked by dreams of a brighter future, and together with their brother Hashem, they sought refuge and a new life in London.
However, this dream was abruptly shattered on 14 June 2017, when a devastating fire engulfed Grenfell Tower. The blaze erupted rapidly, fueled by flammable cladding installed for aesthetic appeal. Tragically, the London Fire Brigade’s “stay put” policy meant that many residents, including Mohammad, were trapped in the chaos and smoke. In a desperate bid to escape, Mohammad leapt from a window, leaving Omar to grapple with a profound sense of loss.
A Film with a Purpose
Eight years after the devastating fire, *Grenfell: Uncovered* emerges as a powerful examination of the events that led to one of the UK’s deadliest fires since World War II. Sadiq, now a seasoned director, felt compelled to tell the story beyond mere statistics, focusing on the human aspect and the systemic failures that contributed to the disaster.
The film does not shy away from highlighting the culpability of the manufacturers of the cladding, which was known to be unsafe, nor does it ignore the broader issues of government deregulation that allowed such materials to be used. “A lot of people I know just think it was a horrible accident,” Sadiq notes. “We had an opportunity to put everything on the table, and then to make it into something that would be digestible for people.”
The Voices of the Affected
Central to the documentary’s impact are the voices of survivors and victims’ families. Marcio Gomes, a Grenfell resident, recounts the alienation felt by residents, who were often viewed through a lens of class. “We were being treated as if we didn’t matter,” he explains, underscoring the discrimination that persisted even after the fire.
Peter Apps, a housing journalist deeply invested in the Grenfell story, contributes his extensive knowledge to the film, aiming to raise awareness about the corporate negligence that led to the tragedy. “It’s very callous whenever someone’s aware that what they’re doing might result in the loss of life,” Apps reflects, revealing just how deeply profit was prioritised over safety.
The documentary also includes notable figures, such as former Prime Minister Theresa May, who acknowledges the failings of her government in the aftermath of the fire. “It was surprising to us how open she was about the role deregulation had played in the Grenfell story,” Sadiq recalls, highlighting the film’s commitment to presenting a comprehensive narrative.
A Call for Accountability
As the public inquiry into the fire concluded last September, the findings revealed a shocking level of “systematic dishonesty” among the companies involved in the cladding’s production. With a monumental cost of £200 million and seven years of investigation, the inquiry illuminated the need for accountability.
For Omar, participating in the documentary has been a cathartic experience. “I just felt comfortable with [the documentary team],” he shares, emphasising the importance of sharing their truth. “It’s not just about the trauma; it’s about the resistance and remembrance. I don’t want Mohammad and the others to be just a number.”
Why it Matters
*Grenfell: Uncovered* serves not only as a memorial for the lives lost but also as a vital reminder of the systemic failures that enabled such a tragedy. By amplifying the voices of the survivors and holding accountable those responsible, the film seeks to ensure that the lessons of Grenfell are not forgotten. It calls on society to confront its own biases and the negligence of powerful institutions, urging a collective commitment to prevent future tragedies and honour the memories of those who perished. As Omar poignantly states, this is about truth—a truth that must resonate far beyond the screen.
