CNN's documentary "The Salisbury Poisonings: A Spy Next Door," now available on HBO Max, delves into the 2018 assassination attempt on former Russian military officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. The film details how the incident, believed to be orchestrated by the Russian government, brought an international spy drama to the quiet English town of Salisbury.

Salisbury, a city of 50,000 known for its cathedral and typically peaceful atmosphere, was thrust into the global spotlight when Skripal and his daughter were found incapacitated. Investigations revealed that Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer who had spied for MI6, was targeted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attack involved the use of Novichok, a potent nerve agent, sprayed on the door handle of Skripal's home.

The documentary features commentary from journalists and government officials, including former Prime Minister Theresa May, who discuss the investigation and the event's ramifications. The narrative also highlights the tragic story of Charlie Rowley, who inadvertently exposed his girlfriend, Dawn Sturgess, to the Novichok from a discarded perfume bottle, leading to her death.

The film draws parallels to other incidents involving Novichok, such as the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It also references the BBC's dramatized series on the same events.

While "A Spy Next Door" provides a comprehensive summary of the events, the review suggests it only briefly touches upon the deeper political and personal implications. These include the nature of authoritarian regimes, the role of propaganda, and the fragility of perceived safety, particularly in small, seemingly isolated communities. The documentary touches on the international response, such as the expulsion of Russian diplomats from multiple countries and NATO, but the review implies this response may not be sufficient.

The documentary is described as an informative overview of the incident, effectively condensing the complex narrative for viewers.