An untypical interrogative episode backed by a solid directorial debut by Tina Satter and a mesmeric performanace from Syndey.

My Rating : :star::star::star: ½ (72/100)

Reality is a compelling and captivating film covering an intense episode of interogation. An effective style of storytelling which blurs the line between a documentary and drama and sets itself apart from similar films of the genre. This is a true and unbiased piece of work which retells the initial questioning of Air Force veteran and a Yoga Instructor Reality Winner who was accused of leaking classified information in public domain. The dialogues of the film is redacted directly from the real recordings of the interogation and this makes it more engaging. The fact that you come know about the actual accusations late during the film even makes it more mysterious and intriguing. The film is carried by Syndey Sweeney who plays Reality. She expresses true dynamics of an insecure individual by riding through a series of emotions which is extremely compelling. She proves that she is much beyond just a pretty face and sex symbol. Josh Hamilton on the other hand gives a fantastic nuanced and controlled performance which sets the stage for a fantastic 3 person drama.

Overall, this is easily a well enacted and edited drama which retells the story exactly as it happened. Fantastic directorial debut by Tina Satter and remarkable acting by Sydney. The film is a slow burn and is thought provoking , leaving with you a question of what's right and whats wrong. Wished thry explored a bit more about Reality's mental state . May not be everyone's cup of tea. Watch it if you like convincing and engrossing dramas based on real events.

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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".