In 2016 a young woman with a rather unusual name: Reality Winner, was responsible for leaking sensitive documents while employed by the US National Security Agency as a Persian translator, sparking a whirlwind media frenzy the likes of which was felt world round. HBO Max released this 2023 thriller covering the investigation into an intelligence leak that connected US President Donald J. Trump’s 2016 election win with Russian interference – AKA the “Russiagate” scandal.
‘Reality’ is based on a stage play that director Tina Satter wrote from factual FBI transcripts of the 2016 interrogation of Reality Leigh Winner, US Air Force Vet. and former NSA translator.
Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, Merchànt Davis
Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of NSA-contracted translator (turned whistleblower) Reality Winner is absolute, and undeniable in its unfiltered genius. Based on true events occurring in 2017 surrounding the illegal dissemination of classified documents, this film follows the FBI transcripts of Reality Leigh’s questioning down to the letter beat-for-beat. Sweeney draws heavily from her character’s real world counterpart recreating her mannerisms verbatim. The acting is astonishing in its depth of emotionality; the tension that seeps forth from her delivery creates a captivating atmosphere of mystique guaranteeing the audience’s attention from inception to end.
I can’t stress this enough – Sweeney’s onscreen presence in this film is expertly crafted – Reality Leigh Winner is forever taciturn…yet the echoing…din of what’s left unsaid reverberates deafeningly…heard loudest during the taut periods of silence that punctuate each verbal exchange. Intensity culminates palpably throughout these back-and-forths, claustrophobic camera angles elicit the vertigo-inducing nature of the invasive interrogation taking place. Even though the two FBI Agents (Hamilton & Davis) are genial, even genteel in their approach, their innuendos make it clear that Reality will suffer life altering legal repercussions if found guilty.
To call this film a slow-burner would be an understatement. It’s not until 25 mins in or more that the agents even admit why they’re speaking with Reality. But that’s a direct effect of the dialogue following the FBI transcripts exactly. There are those that will have trouble with the level of contemplation in this chamber piece; there’s no physical conflict, only cerebral. There are just three characters present for most of the film, aside from a few flashback sequences in which we’re treated to brief glimpses of some of Reality Winner’s former NSA linguistic specialist co-workers. For most of the runtime, the brilliance comes from the small nuances and minutiae in the three actors’ (Sweeney, Hamilton, Davis) facial expressions; every subtle look or change is powerful and compelling. The suspense builds, and builds, and builds until the climactic scene when Reality Leigh Winner (Sweeney) finally cracks and confesses – sharing her story and motive in the process. This moment only comes when the audience is completely rapt and on the edge of their seats. A result of perfectly planned pacing, escorting every emotional beat until finally delivering a torrent of revelation – with the finish.
I would argue if you’re only going to make time for one independent movie in the near future, make it this one:
Reality.
Rating 9.5/10
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Afternote:
There’s also an informative documentary called ‘Reality Winner’ released in 2021, currently on AppleTV+