Grenfell: Uncovered Review – The Documentary That Will Break Your Heart and Fuel Your Rage

Sitting in my living room watching Olaide Sadiq’s new Grenfell documentary, I found myself doing something I rarely do during film screenings – crying, then swearing at my telly. This isn’t just another talking-heads doc about a tragedy – it’s a masterclass in investigative filmmaking that exposes the stomach-churning chain of events leading to 72 preventable deaths.

A Tale of Two Londons: Setting the Scene

Remember where you were on 14 June 2017? I do. I watched, helpless, as my Twitter feed filled with images of that burning tower in West London. Now, Sadiq’s documentary peels back the layers of what really happened, and bloody hell, it’s worse than we thought.

The film opens with a gut-punch: pristine shots of neighbouring luxury developments juxtaposed with Grenfell’s charred remains. It’s a perfect metaphor for the film’s central theme – how the pursuit of property values and prettier facades led to catastrophe.

The Paper Trail of Negligence

Working with housing journalist Peter Apps (whose book “Show Me the Bodies” is essential reading), Sadiq pieces together a properly shocking timeline of corner-cutting and callousness. Remember that “decorative” cladding they slapped on? Turns out it was about as fire-safe as covering the building in petrol-soaked newspaper.

The most infuriating revelation? The American company flogging those deadly panels allegedly buried their own research showing how dangerous they were. Proper dodgy, that.

Voices of the Survivors

Where this doc really gets you is in the survivor interviews. These aren’t just talking heads – they’re your neighbours, people who trusted the system and got burned (literally) by it. One moment that’ll stay with me: a former resident describing how she’d complained about fire safety, only to be told she was “causing trouble.” Makes you want to scream, doesn’t it?

The Political Aftermath

If you thought the negligence before the fire was bad, wait till you see what happened after. Eric Pickles, the former housing secretary who oversaw the tower’s refurbishment, got made a lord in 2018. You couldn’t make it up. The film shows politicians promising change while survivors still wait for justice in 2025.

FAQ: Understanding Grenfell: Uncovered

Why is this documentary important in 2025?

Eight years after Grenfell, thousands still live in buildings with unsafe cladding. This film shows why we can’t let this story fade from memory – especially with current attempts to water down building regulations.

How does this documentary differ from previous Grenfell coverage?

Sadiq’s film combines never-before-seen footage, damning new evidence, and intimate survivor accounts. It’s the first doc to fully expose the corporate and political decisions that led to the disaster.

Where can I watch Grenfell: Uncovered?

The documentary is streaming now on major platforms. All proceeds go to Grenfell survivors’ organisations.

The Verdict: Essential, Enraging Viewing

This isn’t an easy watch – nor should it be. It’s a vital piece of filmmaking that demands attention and action. While some docs leave you feeling helpless, this one channels grief into righteous anger. It should be required viewing for every politician, property developer, and person who’s ever muttered “health and safety gone mad.”

Share this review, watch the film, and most importantly, don’t let them forget. Because in 2025, with building regulations once again under threat, we need this reminder more than ever.

Grenfell: Uncovered is available to stream now. What did you think of the documentary? Share your thoughts below.