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While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces emerges. Such accounts delve into intricate themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law

A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's true motives?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back peace.

Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An extremely rich country has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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