This movie only having a 6.6 average rating feels criminally low to me. This is how I wish more movies based on real events took place. Using the actual transcript, so there's no room for dramatization or fluff. The acting is fantastic, and at under 90 minutes I felt more tension with this movie than most Hollywood action blockbusters. I fear it will be overlooked, but it's a must watch that requires almost no time investment. If not exactly, it's pretty much shown in real time as the actual interrogation took place. I would love any recommendations in the replies of other films based on true events that use factual evidence of what was said and took place in its making.
98 Reviews
The power of dialogue and the nuances of human reactions...
frank-liesenborgs5 June 2023
"Reality" immerses viewers in a gripping tale, a reflection of the moment when the FBI descends upon Reality Winner, a former Air Force translator, with a search warrant in hand. While the general knowledge of Winner's deeds is widely known, I shall refrain from divulging the film's revelatory essence to preserve the enigma. "Reality" abstains from taking a definitive stance on Winner's actions, leaving room for subjective interpretation (although many may find themselves sympathetic to her motives, if not her methods). The fate of the actual Reality Winner remains shrouded until the film's unveiling. This introspective drama hinges entirely on the power of dialogue and the nuances of human reactions, demanding exceptional performances. Sydney Sweeney, in what could be deemed a career-defining portrayal, masterfully embodies Reality. Embracing a role devoid of glamour, Sweeney effortlessly exudes a profound vulnerability, an often-underappreciated skill in actors. As Reality's understanding of her situation deepens, her transformation becomes increasingly believable. "Reality" refrains from passing judgment, instead meticulously presenting the events and their unfolding. The stellar performances of the two central leads elevate the narrative, infusing it with exceptional authenticity. The weight of tension grips you from the outset, immersing you in a palpable atmosphere. Patience is a virtue required, for those seeking swift gratification may find themselves unfulfilled. Sydney and Josh deserve commendation for their captivating portrayals, leaving an indelible impression. Ultimately, the veil lifts, offering an insight into the FBI's interrogation techniques. A peculiar yet effective approach unfolds, as they seek not a straightforward confession but rather a manipulative dance of intimidation. The film unveils the inner workings of such interrogations, leaving you with a disconcerting awareness. Among the finest performances of the year, "Reality" presents a riveting and gripping experience. Personally, I found myself captivated, fascinated by its enigmatic allure. If you yearn for adrenaline-pumping action and violence, this may not satisfy your desires. However, I truly recommend it because it deserves a deep endorsement.
In The Public Interest
Pairic5 June 2023
Reality: The story of Reality Leigh Winner, an NSA contacter who leaked information proving that Russian Intelligence had interfered in the 2016 US Presidential Election. Frustrated by seeing the reality being denied on Fox TV her tipping point was when Trump sacked FBI Director Comey. Ironically this led to her arrest by the FBI and prosecution. In spite of findings by a Senate Committee that her leak was in the public interest, Reality was sentenced to six years in prison. The film is based on the FBI interrogation transcript which was recorded on the day of her arrest, interspersed with posts from her Instagram account and TV news footage. Reality is played by Sydney Sweeney. The transcript comes to life as Reality is confronted by FBI agents, the first two playing good cops, who tell they realise that she just made a mistake, show concern for her animals, chat about cross training. A Master Class in how to get a confession when you haven't advised a suspect of their rights, just having a chat. There are some comic scenes, a cat being under the bed where Reality keeps a gun, another cat observing developments whilst seated in a child's pedal car across the street. But the tension builds as the agents get Reality to talk, I knew the outcome but the narrative still unfolds like a thriller. Well worth watching. Directed by Tina Satter, from a screenplay by Satter and James Paul Dallas. It is based on the play which Satter previously staged as Is This a Room. 8/10.
Good actor showcase for Sydney Sweeney
zack_gideon2 June 2023
I really enjoy when an actor who is labeled a hot chick "heartthrob" (Sydney Sweeney), comes out and nails a lead role in a feature like this. She knocks the ball out of the park on this one. I would recommend this to fans of hers or high level acting in general.
This film is essentially a one setting play (with some flashbacks). It's filmed in a way where you feel like you're there just watching the events. It's definitely not for everyone, and the overall plot is very basic and not something I'm particularly interested in (Russian BS/politics), but I didn't watch for that.
This film is good at driving tension, slowly and unfolding, almost backwards the events that did, in fact occur. If you enjoy good acting, watch it!
This film is essentially a one setting play (with some flashbacks). It's filmed in a way where you feel like you're there just watching the events. It's definitely not for everyone, and the overall plot is very basic and not something I'm particularly interested in (Russian BS/politics), but I didn't watch for that.
This film is good at driving tension, slowly and unfolding, almost backwards the events that did, in fact occur. If you enjoy good acting, watch it!
Not Everyone's a Winner Baby!...
Xstal3 June 2023
Having access to secret things that should be known, presenting opportunities, when you're alone, to print out, stuff down your clothes, specifically, your pantyhose, then send it off to those, who get your cover blown; it all leads to a tense visit from the boys, who at school must have resented those with toys, as all they love is the pursuit, of those they want to prosecute, probing, intimidate, is how they get their joys; so the service you've performed to wake, enlighten, ends up with a noose that's subtly gets tightened, then your cast into a cell, it's quite a long time (by some distance) that you dwell, but those with a sense of right, will surely fight on.
Sydney Sweeny is outstanding, absolutely brilliant, as the persecuted Reality Winner who did the right thing.
Sydney Sweeny is outstanding, absolutely brilliant, as the persecuted Reality Winner who did the right thing.
Reality Is A Winner
johnnyhbtvs2730 May 2023
Reality loses a little of it's sparkle on film but is still a gripping well made drama. The main trio of the cast Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton & Marchant Davis are all excellent and play their parts well.
Sydney Sweeney shows she is one to watch and with the right material can go on to do big things. Her upcoming appearance for Marvel will surely elevate her to superstardom, here's hoping she can continue to throw in a few more movies of this size as well.
Josh Hamilton does great and continues to appear in interesting movies without getting the recognition he deserves. He is very underrated.
Reality is a good movie of a great stage play and well worth the time. It is thought-provoking and worth the price of admission alone to know that there is someone on this earth called Reality Winner.
Sydney Sweeney shows she is one to watch and with the right material can go on to do big things. Her upcoming appearance for Marvel will surely elevate her to superstardom, here's hoping she can continue to throw in a few more movies of this size as well.
Josh Hamilton does great and continues to appear in interesting movies without getting the recognition he deserves. He is very underrated.
Reality is a good movie of a great stage play and well worth the time. It is thought-provoking and worth the price of admission alone to know that there is someone on this earth called Reality Winner.
Reality
CinemaSerf14 June 2023
I didn't know anything about this case before I saw the film, so when I saw "Reality Winner" and FBI - well, I was expecting a sort of "Slumdog Millionaire" type scenario. Nope, nothing like. That is the real name of a woman (Sydney Sweeney) who worked for the American government translating Iranian documents. She arrives home one day to find "Garrick" (Josh Hamilton) and "Taylor" (Marchánt Davis) parked on her lawn with a warrant to search her, her home, her car... She's bemused and a bit nonplussed, especially as her visitors seem way more concerned about the wellbeing of her cat and her dog! Anyway, into the house they eventually go and the interrogation begins. For a while, there is quite an effective intensity to that process and using, as it does, the original transcript of the interview as it happened, it delivers an authentic looking presentation of just how effective these agents can be. It's history, so there's no jeopardy - and I think Sweeney turns in quite a strong performance as the plot thickens but it all takes far too long to get going and the production is all just a bit too staccato. The thread does go some way to revealing the intimidatory powers of Uncle Sam when he feels aggrieved and that makes for uncomfortable watching at times. It isn't an especially memorable drama, and it doesn't need a cinema - but it will be fine to watch on the television whilst posing a few questions about what is or is not in the "public interest".
Not Good Guy/Bad Guy Black & White, But...Reality (Drum Roll Please)
tamasher1 June 2023
This movie is an almost verbatim re-enactment of an FBI transcript.
These reviews seem to fall into two camps. People who accept moral ambiguity and those who want a clear cinematic delineation between good and evil.. Reality (her real name) is neither a crusading whistleblower nor a traitor, but a woman who'd serve honorably in the U. S. Air Force and becomes increasingly tormented by conscience,. The FBI agents are neither shining knights or cruel thugs but highly trained actors playing FBI agents (well -trained actors themselves) trying to tease out the truth.
In any case, all the characters are real human beings, not movie heros or villains.
The tension IS a slow build, but relentless.
People who want a slam bang action film with clearly obvious good guys versus bad guys, whether Reality OR FBI agents, and virtue triumphing over evil, are going to be sorely disappointed (as shown by the reviews) .
People who want a binary film experience should avoid this brilliant film at all costs.
Those fascinated by the fuzziness of profound moral dilemmas should rush out to see this film as soon as possible.
These reviews seem to fall into two camps. People who accept moral ambiguity and those who want a clear cinematic delineation between good and evil.. Reality (her real name) is neither a crusading whistleblower nor a traitor, but a woman who'd serve honorably in the U. S. Air Force and becomes increasingly tormented by conscience,. The FBI agents are neither shining knights or cruel thugs but highly trained actors playing FBI agents (well -trained actors themselves) trying to tease out the truth.
In any case, all the characters are real human beings, not movie heros or villains.
The tension IS a slow build, but relentless.
People who want a slam bang action film with clearly obvious good guys versus bad guys, whether Reality OR FBI agents, and virtue triumphing over evil, are going to be sorely disappointed (as shown by the reviews) .
People who want a binary film experience should avoid this brilliant film at all costs.
Those fascinated by the fuzziness of profound moral dilemmas should rush out to see this film as soon as possible.
Reality bites
axxmqmcy23 September 2023
There were so many compelling positive reviews for this film that I was looking forward to something different. My largest grievance comes from the fact that at no time did this supposedly intelligent person ask for a lawyer. Feels like something I would have done the moment I heard the word "warrant". That aside, did the crew show up for filming, only to realize the script got left at home, just to have the director say "it'll be fine, just wing it..."?
Glaring editorial inconsistencies, FBI agents who look more like golf-dads, and just an overall mind-numbing slow pace make this a movie I probably wouldn't recommend.
I didn't hate the acting, considering what they had to work with I felt like those actors and actress did a great job trying to breathe life into this lump.
Glaring editorial inconsistencies, FBI agents who look more like golf-dads, and just an overall mind-numbing slow pace make this a movie I probably wouldn't recommend.
I didn't hate the acting, considering what they had to work with I felt like those actors and actress did a great job trying to breathe life into this lump.
Phenomenal acting demonstrating willful ignorance and attention seeking
jasonkingtv10 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to like "Reality", but ultimately, it was as empty as the person it was based upon. Reality did nothing courageous. As each passing minute of the story unfolds, so does her credibility. The fact she is clueless of her rights, she continuously shows the only danger she poses is ignorance, it becomes painfully obvious she's not clever enough to be a whistleblower or activist. She was seeking attention and she got it. This is where the film fails. We sit through this waiting for the bombshell. It never comes. What did she actually do? What information was shared? Why did she do it? What is shown is a lonely 25 year old woman used Confidential documents to gain popularity on a fringe website and got busted... For what? I still don't know. I was watching this film to see the story unfold and for Reality have some sort of arc to her character, except she has no character. She has no message, she did a thing. She doesn't seem to care or know why what she did matters, the director doesn't seem to care to tell us.
Is she an "Activist" spreading a message about distrusting the government hiding secrets? Then why did she trust every single government employee who came to her house?
This film it's subject and it's message turned from empowering young people and standing up for what's right, to a stereotypical dumb blonde printing out (Still don't know what or why) a paper, shoving it down her pants, mailing it to a website, and forgetting about it. A person who knew what she had done and had any forethought on what kind of consequences come with sharing information, would have been prepared for the ensuing investigation. She clearly had not.
The audience is left just as ignorant as the main character.
If anything this is a warning for us all that the people who work in government aren't very bright. To hail this person a hero or important for what she did is missing the point. She had no point and neither does this film. This is an amazing performance of watching the only woman on screen demonstrate the stereotypical dumb blonde who makes every mistake imaginable and isn't smart enough to even realize it.
Is she an "Activist" spreading a message about distrusting the government hiding secrets? Then why did she trust every single government employee who came to her house?
This film it's subject and it's message turned from empowering young people and standing up for what's right, to a stereotypical dumb blonde printing out (Still don't know what or why) a paper, shoving it down her pants, mailing it to a website, and forgetting about it. A person who knew what she had done and had any forethought on what kind of consequences come with sharing information, would have been prepared for the ensuing investigation. She clearly had not.
The audience is left just as ignorant as the main character.
If anything this is a warning for us all that the people who work in government aren't very bright. To hail this person a hero or important for what she did is missing the point. She had no point and neither does this film. This is an amazing performance of watching the only woman on screen demonstrate the stereotypical dumb blonde who makes every mistake imaginable and isn't smart enough to even realize it.
Easily a 9. Don't know why there are negative reviews
therealhman31 May 2023
A very entertaining and well done movie. Easily a nine.
Syd Sweeney does an incredible job as Reality. She can really act. Whether it's White Lotus or Euphoria or Reality she brings believability to her roles. It is very refreshing to see actresses get good roles and opportunities the play complex characters.
The movie is very well done; it uses the actual tapes of her interview by the FBI. There are only 3 main characters in the movie and it is the interaction between them that gives the movie its good pace. I was surprised it was about an hour long because you are completely caught up in the story you don't realize how much time has passed.
The direction was also very good. Pay attention to positions everyone has when she is being interviewed.
Syd Sweeney does an incredible job as Reality. She can really act. Whether it's White Lotus or Euphoria or Reality she brings believability to her roles. It is very refreshing to see actresses get good roles and opportunities the play complex characters.
The movie is very well done; it uses the actual tapes of her interview by the FBI. There are only 3 main characters in the movie and it is the interaction between them that gives the movie its good pace. I was surprised it was about an hour long because you are completely caught up in the story you don't realize how much time has passed.
The direction was also very good. Pay attention to positions everyone has when she is being interviewed.
Reality hits hard
powellian629 June 2023
Sydney Sweeney stars in this film about an American intelligence specialist who was found guilty of releasing government insider info to Russia.
This is an interesting film but not one that was really entertaining or all that interesting. I mean you can say finding out exactly what the information is can be suspenseful but for the most part this is a very odd film that is basically word for word the actual audio from the arrest itself.
I think that's the strongest part is how authentic this film is to the source material. You've got to think this movie put itself in a box with doing it this way but it's true to the events that transpired! Sweeney does great in a role we haven't seen from her before so it was nice to see her range out a bit! Other than that there isn't much to see here.
I wouldn't recommend this one but if you are curious to see this you can find it on MAX.
This is an interesting film but not one that was really entertaining or all that interesting. I mean you can say finding out exactly what the information is can be suspenseful but for the most part this is a very odd film that is basically word for word the actual audio from the arrest itself.
I think that's the strongest part is how authentic this film is to the source material. You've got to think this movie put itself in a box with doing it this way but it's true to the events that transpired! Sweeney does great in a role we haven't seen from her before so it was nice to see her range out a bit! Other than that there isn't much to see here.
I wouldn't recommend this one but if you are curious to see this you can find it on MAX.
Not worth the watch
sellberg-7568717 June 2023
If you think this is going to be like Snowden it is far from it. It is actually the quite opposite. It is excruciatingly painful to watch. It is filmed only in one environment with very few flashbacks and it takes forever to get to the point. It seems like they have nothing to say so they kept talking about the pointless dog and cat that have nothing to do with the movie. I think people only like this because of the actress. If she wasn't in it no one would enjoy it. Being filmed in 16 days should say something...It is TRASH. I wish I could get back the time I wasted on this movie expecting it to get better. I honestly don't know how this movie has good reviews.
When your job becomes persona
kelboy1029 March 2024
This can only boost the career of Sydney Sweeney in what feels like a showcase of her acting, if ever you need a showreel to propel, this would be it. Far from just another talentless blonde, Sydney really excels in a very natural performance worthy of cementing herself as the future and one to watch.
Based on the true story of Reality Leigh Winner, an NSA contractor who released information proving of Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election. This film might be a slow burner for many and definitely not everyone's cup of tea. It's mainly a low budget dialogue based script using actual FBI interrogation transcript loosely from recordings I'd imagine. The issue is many parts have to be bleeped out due to opening up a much bigger can of worms. Seems somewhat ironic as the released information is what brought us to the dance in the first place. There is a lot of repetition within the script, simple stuff that just fills gaps to extend what could be a short film. Agent Garrick (Josh Hamilton) and Agent Taylor (Marchant Davis) really do appear to be overly inquisitive at times, and asking simple questions multiple times that appear just time fillers. It feels like something that could be performed on stage better than in film mainly due to the fact it isn't overly entertaining to watch. What is intriguing and just enough to keep the audience engaged is the acting of Sydney Sweeney. The film also keep you involved as you want to know where it is all leading. Me not knowing much of the real story was of great benefit here. However if you knew of it you'd probably find it all too tiresome to continue.
The cinematography is basic and the direction isn't overly impressive as the entire piece revolves around acting, which is refreshing as I hear so many saying Sweeney is only famous for two things and they barely feature in this. Tina Satter makes a bold leap with her first film as a director, writer and producer so you can't fault the effort here. Overall it's not bad a one time watch film and definitely a step in the right direction for Sydney Sweeney.
Based on the true story of Reality Leigh Winner, an NSA contractor who released information proving of Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election. This film might be a slow burner for many and definitely not everyone's cup of tea. It's mainly a low budget dialogue based script using actual FBI interrogation transcript loosely from recordings I'd imagine. The issue is many parts have to be bleeped out due to opening up a much bigger can of worms. Seems somewhat ironic as the released information is what brought us to the dance in the first place. There is a lot of repetition within the script, simple stuff that just fills gaps to extend what could be a short film. Agent Garrick (Josh Hamilton) and Agent Taylor (Marchant Davis) really do appear to be overly inquisitive at times, and asking simple questions multiple times that appear just time fillers. It feels like something that could be performed on stage better than in film mainly due to the fact it isn't overly entertaining to watch. What is intriguing and just enough to keep the audience engaged is the acting of Sydney Sweeney. The film also keep you involved as you want to know where it is all leading. Me not knowing much of the real story was of great benefit here. However if you knew of it you'd probably find it all too tiresome to continue.
The cinematography is basic and the direction isn't overly impressive as the entire piece revolves around acting, which is refreshing as I hear so many saying Sweeney is only famous for two things and they barely feature in this. Tina Satter makes a bold leap with her first film as a director, writer and producer so you can't fault the effort here. Overall it's not bad a one time watch film and definitely a step in the right direction for Sydney Sweeney.
Not just a true story, an actual reality
FixedYourEnding28 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Reality is a movie about Reality Leigh Winner, a whistleblower who exposed Russia's interference in the 2016 US election. She was fed up with Fox TV's covering of information and Trump's firing of the FBI director Comey. She leaked a document to the media and got arrested by the FBI shortly after. This movie follows a 12-hr period from the time Ms. Winner gets home up to her arrest in a way of almost a 1:1 re-enactment based of the scripts of the audio recordings done by the FBI agents.
From time to time we are presented with the actual original audio and other media items, which all add another layer of realism to the movie, which I really liked. To me it was amazing and enlightening to see how the FBI are doing their job, while Ms. Winner (played by the wonderful Sydney Sweeney) is doing a tremendous job by initially denying everything and make us viewers believe it could all be a big mistake. Regardless of being a real story or not, the acting here is superb and you are really feel like a "fly on the wall" in this exact situation.
The film created a bit of a controversy since people stand on different sides when it comes to whistleblowers. Ms. Winters seems like an upstanding citizen, having served the country and achieved a high military clearance and the data she exposed, many would argue, would have been found out anyway, on the other hand, at the time of her doings, she knowingly broke the law. Reality is a gripping and eye-opening film. It was directed by Tina Satter and James Paul Dallas, based on their play "Is This a Room" which, in turn based verbatim on the FBI original recordings.
I definitely say this is a recommended viewing as a great political drama film, however don't expect any big chases, shootouts or special effects. It is a well crafted well executed document in which reality trumps all imagination.
Exact score: 73 / 100.
From time to time we are presented with the actual original audio and other media items, which all add another layer of realism to the movie, which I really liked. To me it was amazing and enlightening to see how the FBI are doing their job, while Ms. Winner (played by the wonderful Sydney Sweeney) is doing a tremendous job by initially denying everything and make us viewers believe it could all be a big mistake. Regardless of being a real story or not, the acting here is superb and you are really feel like a "fly on the wall" in this exact situation.
The film created a bit of a controversy since people stand on different sides when it comes to whistleblowers. Ms. Winters seems like an upstanding citizen, having served the country and achieved a high military clearance and the data she exposed, many would argue, would have been found out anyway, on the other hand, at the time of her doings, she knowingly broke the law. Reality is a gripping and eye-opening film. It was directed by Tina Satter and James Paul Dallas, based on their play "Is This a Room" which, in turn based verbatim on the FBI original recordings.
I definitely say this is a recommended viewing as a great political drama film, however don't expect any big chases, shootouts or special effects. It is a well crafted well executed document in which reality trumps all imagination.
Exact score: 73 / 100.
Annoying
Jackieeeee931 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Takes a long time to get to the point. The FBI agents really bothered me in this movie. They come across as major D-bags and make it hard to take this film seriously. I think Sweeney gave an excellent performance though! She felt very authentic and is the only reason this movie was watchable. The rest of the cast makes you want to punch them in the face.
The constant back and forth with them trying to joke with her and be her friend, then going back to interrogating her was annoying. If the goal of this movie was to make you dislike FBI agents, it succeeded.
Also didn't care for the constant cuts to block out certain information. It was annoying. If you don't want certain information out then don't even bother making a film! Just annoying.
The constant back and forth with them trying to joke with her and be her friend, then going back to interrogating her was annoying. If the goal of this movie was to make you dislike FBI agents, it succeeded.
Also didn't care for the constant cuts to block out certain information. It was annoying. If you don't want certain information out then don't even bother making a film! Just annoying.
The story is compellingly (re)told! [+69%]
arungeorge132 June 2023
This docudrama is a thrillingly dramatic 80-minute affair owing to its slow-burn, revelatory plot and solid performances from Sydney Sweeney and Josh Hamilton. Yes, it really rides a lot on Sydney's performance and the feeling of how the interrogration plays out in real time, intercut with details on the specifics of cted, haha]. Some of the editing choices (like the recurring distortions in the final 30 minutes) left me baffled and took me out of the film for a few seconds, but Sydney's expressions (subtle, yet effective) had me hooked all through. The case in question remains excellent material for a 2-episode documentary, where they could also tap a bit more into Reality's emotional state of mind at the time. I'm surprised Netflix hasn't gone that route already, but I also understand why they're yet to.
Spectacular
UniqueParticle3 June 2023
Even with 2 hours sleep this movie is thoroughly enjoyable. Sydney Sweeney and Josh Hamilton are phenomenal, this movie deserves recognition! I love how gentle everyone involved in the FBI is, great this is based off a true story, and the directing is very good. Everything feels so authentic about the potential crime even unnerving, fairly sad research can lead to a major problem that will be investigated. Sydney is exceptional in anything I've seen her in especially Euphoria I don't think she's won yet before but she truly deserves it! I love the occasional HBO original the drama and vibes when there's glitches hit the spot, perfect as directorial debut too.
Quite boring, but not terrible
JurijFedorov3 June 2023
Reality Winner was hugely popular among liberals/progressives and it felt like she was some sort of hero for them for a while. It seems like people think leaks are either Pentagon Papers or Robert Hanssen. Either a pure hero or pure evil mastermind. As FBI said in the movie, the leaks give other nations info on how FBI finds out about their hacking and spy work so it makes Russia and China adapt easier. So even when the leaks are "good" they may be harmful.
This movie is about Reality Winner downloading a secret document on how Russia tried to hack the US election machines. As they also say in the movie she hated USA and thought it was the worst thing to happen to the planet. She was angry about Fox News and how they spun the Russia-Trump connection - even though the movie never makes clear what she was angry about. The movie is seemingly based on the real events that happened between her and 2 FBI agents on the day of her arrest. So it's just a slow interview where much of the movie is about her cat and dog and them talking about her life. It's all quite silly. I did enjoy how the FBI agents were actually realistic here. Usually in these movies the cops and agents are evil bullies trying to ruin the live of the leaker. Here they were nice guys and the actress plus the older FBI agent were good here. Though she was awfully bored and boring. Which is the main issue. The concept and idea is curious enough. We follow an arrest step by step slowly with 50% of it being small talk about pets or fitness. It makes it feel different and stand out. But it gives us very little to no info on the case. And because all scenes are the same the movie is waaaaay too long. I would say about 50 min would be right for it as it's only a few hours of a single day and just dialogue. If they wanted a full movie they should have set it over 3 days. Leak, arrest, post prison. Something like that. She only spent 4 years in prison as leaks are not taken that serious in USA. In Russia for example she would have stayed in prison for life for stuff like this. And likely much worse. So there are some curious topics that could have been explored here like why USA doesn't imprison leakers for life or what they do post prison. A book deal could go for millions in such a case so leaking, going to prison for 4 years, then making millions in a year could be a nice gig and make for a better story. And the leak itself could also be interesting to follow. How did Trump, Hillary, and Russia respond to it? What do progressives think about her? What do conservatives think about her? She doesn't look evil. Just a young blonde woman who doesn't seem wise or clever and kinda messed up by not understanding what she was doing. All of these questions are here. They are a perfect setting for a really great movie with many themes. Instead we get ... this ... just a very lazy movie. It all feels fine enough. But after 40-50 min when you understand the concept fully you start to feel awfully bored.
This movie is about Reality Winner downloading a secret document on how Russia tried to hack the US election machines. As they also say in the movie she hated USA and thought it was the worst thing to happen to the planet. She was angry about Fox News and how they spun the Russia-Trump connection - even though the movie never makes clear what she was angry about. The movie is seemingly based on the real events that happened between her and 2 FBI agents on the day of her arrest. So it's just a slow interview where much of the movie is about her cat and dog and them talking about her life. It's all quite silly. I did enjoy how the FBI agents were actually realistic here. Usually in these movies the cops and agents are evil bullies trying to ruin the live of the leaker. Here they were nice guys and the actress plus the older FBI agent were good here. Though she was awfully bored and boring. Which is the main issue. The concept and idea is curious enough. We follow an arrest step by step slowly with 50% of it being small talk about pets or fitness. It makes it feel different and stand out. But it gives us very little to no info on the case. And because all scenes are the same the movie is waaaaay too long. I would say about 50 min would be right for it as it's only a few hours of a single day and just dialogue. If they wanted a full movie they should have set it over 3 days. Leak, arrest, post prison. Something like that. She only spent 4 years in prison as leaks are not taken that serious in USA. In Russia for example she would have stayed in prison for life for stuff like this. And likely much worse. So there are some curious topics that could have been explored here like why USA doesn't imprison leakers for life or what they do post prison. A book deal could go for millions in such a case so leaking, going to prison for 4 years, then making millions in a year could be a nice gig and make for a better story. And the leak itself could also be interesting to follow. How did Trump, Hillary, and Russia respond to it? What do progressives think about her? What do conservatives think about her? She doesn't look evil. Just a young blonde woman who doesn't seem wise or clever and kinda messed up by not understanding what she was doing. All of these questions are here. They are a perfect setting for a really great movie with many themes. Instead we get ... this ... just a very lazy movie. It all feels fine enough. But after 40-50 min when you understand the concept fully you start to feel awfully bored.
Sweeney is great but show is a miss
puhleezman1 June 2023
Based on the real life incident involving Reality Winner, this show was just a reenactment of the interrogation of Winner and the search of her house.
Sweeney was great considering the blandness of the story and to be fair, everyone in it was pretty good. Honestly though, the story is pretty boring. The show would have been much better as a two part series showing her stealing the classified information and what she did with it to give a better background on what the incident was.
For some reason, they kept censoring any mention of Russian election interference and the naming of the media outlet that broke the story, the Intercept, when this is publicly available information. Maybe it wasn't at the time they were filming but it just seemed forced.
Aside from the acting, I was kinda unimpressed with the show. All the left wing points were hit though, Russian meddling, Fox News bad, America hating leaker good, etc.
In the end, it was not terrible, not great, just blah.
Sweeney was great considering the blandness of the story and to be fair, everyone in it was pretty good. Honestly though, the story is pretty boring. The show would have been much better as a two part series showing her stealing the classified information and what she did with it to give a better background on what the incident was.
For some reason, they kept censoring any mention of Russian election interference and the naming of the media outlet that broke the story, the Intercept, when this is publicly available information. Maybe it wasn't at the time they were filming but it just seemed forced.
Aside from the acting, I was kinda unimpressed with the show. All the left wing points were hit though, Russian meddling, Fox News bad, America hating leaker good, etc.
In the end, it was not terrible, not great, just blah.
Top-Notch Sydney Sweeney Performance Fuels Suspenseful Drama
stevesinger-200131 May 2023
"Reality" is a recreation of the serving of a search warrant to Reality Winner, a former Air Force translator, by the FBI in June 2017. The details of what Winner did is public knowledge, but I won't spoil it for those who'd prefer to see the film's reveal. And "Reality" never really tries to come down for or against what Winner did (although I think many people would agree with her motives if not her actions), and we do find out what happened to the real Reality.
As a drama that is all about dialog and reactions the entire movie depends on the performances, and Sydney Sweeney (as Reality) nails it in what could be a career-defining performance. In a decidedly non-glamorous role, Sweeney exudes real vulnerability (an underappreciated skill missing in a lot of actors) and is completely believable as she more and more realizes what is happening. One of the better performances of the year.
Personally, I found it fascinating and engrossing. If you are looking for action and violence and stuff like that, look elsewhere. But it gets a solid recommendation from me.
As a drama that is all about dialog and reactions the entire movie depends on the performances, and Sydney Sweeney (as Reality) nails it in what could be a career-defining performance. In a decidedly non-glamorous role, Sweeney exudes real vulnerability (an underappreciated skill missing in a lot of actors) and is completely believable as she more and more realizes what is happening. One of the better performances of the year.
Personally, I found it fascinating and engrossing. If you are looking for action and violence and stuff like that, look elsewhere. But it gets a solid recommendation from me.
Reality
henry8-324 March 2024
True story of Reality Winner (Sydney Sweeney) a Farsi translator who comes home one day to find the FBI waiting to interview her and search her house and car. Slowly the interrogation moves towards the possibility that with her security clearance she accessed and leaked information about Russian interference in the 2016 elections.
An intriguing record come quasi documentary in that the whole film is based word for word on tapes of the FBI talking to and then formally interviewing Winner. Whilst it is difficult to separate one's views on her ultimate treatment and how the US government reacted, the film is actually a well crafted look at what it's like to be on the receiving end of the cold, clinical FBI procedure - and it's certainly pretty intimidating. Sydney's performance, the use of sound to reflect the growing anxiety and the careful recreation of the meticulous process in play, makes this a fascinating, tense and possibly worrying experience.
An intriguing record come quasi documentary in that the whole film is based word for word on tapes of the FBI talking to and then formally interviewing Winner. Whilst it is difficult to separate one's views on her ultimate treatment and how the US government reacted, the film is actually a well crafted look at what it's like to be on the receiving end of the cold, clinical FBI procedure - and it's certainly pretty intimidating. Sydney's performance, the use of sound to reflect the growing anxiety and the careful recreation of the meticulous process in play, makes this a fascinating, tense and possibly worrying experience.
Watching paint dry is more exciting
billsoccer20 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'll get to the reason for the title in a minute. I'd like to start by addressing the elephants in the room that seemed to be grossly overlooked in this film. The first would be the effects of the leak, and second, her motivation.
Like most leakers/whistleblowers, I actually support this leak. There seemed to be a disturbing number of things the government was doing in this timeframe (eg. The NSA collecting emails/calls from Americans) that IMHO needed to be exposed. So, good for her. I think the film played to this. I'm unaware that the sources and methods revealed in this case are important, and I'd reverse my opinion if any US interests were harmed.
Her motivation was never overtly touched on other than an agent telling us she hated America. I don't know if this is/was actually true, but there is enough evidence that the film glosses over. This is important and I think shows bias. Daniel Ellsberg was willing to leak and take responsibility. He loved the country and hated its faults. Snowden, leaked and ran to our adversary. Seems more like a spy, even if his leak should have occurred (other than anything that helped Russia of course).
Lastly, this is perhaps one of the most boring 'exposes' I've ever seen. I fail to see any redeeming values in the 'acting'. How long are we expected to pay attention to talk about the cat and dog?? The FBI agents are shown to be Keystone cops, while Reality at best is - in Lenins term - a useful idiot.
Like most leakers/whistleblowers, I actually support this leak. There seemed to be a disturbing number of things the government was doing in this timeframe (eg. The NSA collecting emails/calls from Americans) that IMHO needed to be exposed. So, good for her. I think the film played to this. I'm unaware that the sources and methods revealed in this case are important, and I'd reverse my opinion if any US interests were harmed.
Her motivation was never overtly touched on other than an agent telling us she hated America. I don't know if this is/was actually true, but there is enough evidence that the film glosses over. This is important and I think shows bias. Daniel Ellsberg was willing to leak and take responsibility. He loved the country and hated its faults. Snowden, leaked and ran to our adversary. Seems more like a spy, even if his leak should have occurred (other than anything that helped Russia of course).
Lastly, this is perhaps one of the most boring 'exposes' I've ever seen. I fail to see any redeeming values in the 'acting'. How long are we expected to pay attention to talk about the cat and dog?? The FBI agents are shown to be Keystone cops, while Reality at best is - in Lenins term - a useful idiot.
Very well done and acted
markefield1 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I had two issues with the movie:
1. They didn't do much to explain just why her action deserved a 5 year sentence. There were one or two sentences about disclosing "sources and methods" but that's pretty much it and it's kind of vague. Maybe they can't say more because the information is classified.
2. She was outed by the journal to which she sent the information. That's either grossly incompetent or malicious and it would have been nice to explore that a bit.
The rest of the movie was excellent, but I reduced the rating to 7 stars because of the above gaps. If those don't bother you, then it's great.
1. They didn't do much to explain just why her action deserved a 5 year sentence. There were one or two sentences about disclosing "sources and methods" but that's pretty much it and it's kind of vague. Maybe they can't say more because the information is classified.
2. She was outed by the journal to which she sent the information. That's either grossly incompetent or malicious and it would have been nice to explore that a bit.
The rest of the movie was excellent, but I reduced the rating to 7 stars because of the above gaps. If those don't bother you, then it's great.
A very well executed film
ethanbresnett23 June 2023
Sydney Sweeney shines in this tense 'interview room' drama as Reality Winner, an NSA translator who suddenly finds herself under investigation by the FBI.
The approach to this film is very interesting, as the dialogue is formed entirely from the genuine FBI transcript of their interrogation of Reality. You'd think this might put the film on guardrails and create a relatively uninspired finished product, but this isn't the case at all. Director Tina Satter uses this very intelligently, with some creative flourishes that make for a unique and engaging experience.
Her great direction extends to the whole feel of the piece, which is tense but not in a frantic or bombastic way. It is a very understated but no less effective tension.
As mentioned, the performance from Sweeney is great. She locks you into her thought process and her emotion and you really feel connected to her as events unravel and the net tightens.
I do think the film loses momentum slightly which is a shame for such a short film, and at times, things do feel a little too matter of fact.
Nevertheless, this is a very engaging and informative film, and at barely 90 minutes long it's a no brainer.
The approach to this film is very interesting, as the dialogue is formed entirely from the genuine FBI transcript of their interrogation of Reality. You'd think this might put the film on guardrails and create a relatively uninspired finished product, but this isn't the case at all. Director Tina Satter uses this very intelligently, with some creative flourishes that make for a unique and engaging experience.
Her great direction extends to the whole feel of the piece, which is tense but not in a frantic or bombastic way. It is a very understated but no less effective tension.
As mentioned, the performance from Sweeney is great. She locks you into her thought process and her emotion and you really feel connected to her as events unravel and the net tightens.
I do think the film loses momentum slightly which is a shame for such a short film, and at times, things do feel a little too matter of fact.
Nevertheless, this is a very engaging and informative film, and at barely 90 minutes long it's a no brainer.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
