Letters from Baghdad is a new documentary centred on Gertrude Bell, whom you may not have heard of, but she was actually a woman of history and great importance. A British adventurer, archaeologist and political powerhouse, she helped shape modern Middle East in the 1900s, particularly drawing out the boundaries of modern-day Iraq. Pairing the narration by Tilda Swinton (who also serves as Executive Producer) with Bell's own letters and archival footage, this is a fascinating look at a history that is very current indeed.

It's interesting that this documentary has been made for the big screen - and not just for TV on a Sunday evening. It allows for an hour and a half of letters worth to be narrated and depicted, but from the off it's missing expert commentary that could make more sense of its historical context and also link it directly to affairs today. Instead, maybe the choice of cinematic production purposely moves it away from 'another TV documentary' feel. There's also the use of actors recreating the opinions of other historical figures such as author Vita Sackville-West, by posing in an interview set-up that makes it feel like an educational short film at a museum.

As usual, Tilda Swinton is great but that's hardly surprising. We're brought into the adventures of Bell in her own words, and what works really well is how it has been produced and put together with never-seen-before reels. For me, it's an insightful part of history I wouldn't have otherwise known much about. Perhaps it can serve as a starting point to go on to research more, especially as the political nature is addressed, but not developed; Bell was right when she said "it's the end of the order we're accustomed to."

"If you don't mind, I'd rather do this than be in London. It's more worthwhile on the whole..." And what a fascinating woman Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell was. It's worth noting there has already been a film adaptation of her life (2015's Queen of the Desert) with Nicole Kidman starring as Bell and a supporting cast of James Franco, Damian Lewis and Robert Pattinson. Even that wasn't enough to save it from negative reviews so Letters from Baghdad will probably fare much better. But maybe we'll have to wait some more for a Gertrude Bell film that will go down in history.

Letters from Baghdad is in UK cinemas from 21st April.