Idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA’s post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.
Following 9/11, the CIA designed a brutal interrogation program conducted under the George W. Bush administration intended to force those they considered terrorists to reveal pertinent information about the attacks and future bombings. This gruesome program included inhumane torture techniques such as waterboarding, which is meant to simulate drowning by strapping the victim to a board face up while pouring water through the nose and mouth. Others techniques included playing loud music in hopes to cause sleep deprivation, repeatedly throwing the person up against the wall, shaving their beards off and stripping them down naked to shame them. Over a period of time, it was discovered that the techniques did not work as the victims would only reveal already-known information or lies.
When Daniel Jones (Adam Driver) is sent by his boss, Senator Dianne Feinstein (Annette Bening), to investigate the truth about the program, he becomes obsessed with what he finds. Spending years in a secluded basement, he discovers hidden information exposing the truth about the immoral conduct of leaders in the CIA. As America prides itself to be a nation against torture, it becomes apparent that the morals dissipate when it comes to non-white races.
What I found interesting was the fact that there were so many involved who were willing to witness these horrendous acts of torture on many innocent human beings, well after discovering themselves that the program was not effective. The reports contain over 500 pages summarizing a nearly 7000-page classified review of the program.
This film is definitely an eye-opener, exposing secrets and lies regarding hidden information kept from the American public on how the government handles terrorism and other affairs. I enjoy suspense and was worried that it would get stagnant but it kept a great pace, keeping you wondering what would happen next and if Daniel would succeed in getting the reports out to the public. This is one of those movies that really makes me rethink the government and what else they are hiding but it also gives me hope seeing Daniel so dedicated and passionate about finding the truth. Now I’m wondering to myself, what can I do to create change for the better? Excellent film!
In Theaters Friday, November 15th
