*Editor’s Note: Excerpts of this review could be perceived as expressions of personal views on matters of current public debate and consideration. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Irish Film Critic.
Director Sonia Kennebeck’s documentary chronicles the incarceration and trial of the titular young intelligence specialist who leaked an NSA document revealing Russian attempts at interfering in the 2016 U.S. elections — intel the FBI was evidently keen on suppressing.
In 2017, Reality Winner made National news when she printed and leaked a top-secret document alleging Russia helped Donald Trump win the Presidency in 2016. The Intercept broke the story but carelessly exposed Reality’s identity which sent the FBI to her home in Georgia. Initially, the FBI blocked the audio from her interrogation being made public but thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, it plays throughout the documentary. Malaysian-born journalist and director Sonia Kennebeck interviews her family, Edward Snowden, and others close to the case or familiar with whistleblowers. Since Reality is barred from speaking to the press or filmmakers, there are blurry shots of actor Maren Poitras standing in, which keeps the subject from becoming tangential.
Reality Winner is continuously mentioned in the same breath as Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden since they all leaked secret intel. Manning released files describing US war crimes and torture and Snowden detailed an increasingly bloated domestic surveillance apparatus. Winner’s job dealt with cryptologic data analysis which basically identifies where alleged terrorists were located. The data was then handed to drone operators who would point, click, and blow up the site. Reality confessed to her step-father that she witnessed one of these strikes and saw a “guy go poof” which greatly affected her.
The Winner family is represented onscreen by her mother, father, and sister. They tell personal stories of how she was very intelligent and fully support her decision. Reality spoke Farsi, Dari, Pashto and said a beautiful line, “when you learn another language you gain another soul.” She’s clearly an activist, having written to her representatives about environmental issues while in high school. Her family decries her treatment having been denied bail and a fair trial and recently I read her jail was hit by the freezing Texas temperatures back in February.
The Intercept has some solid journalists but their image hasn’t been spotless and they’re rightfully criticized for betraying Reality’s anonymity. Some compelling moments and historical connections relate to Ellsberg’s releasing of the Pentagon Papers. Ellsberg’s report detailed how the Johnson administration lied about the US involvement in the Vietnam War. While no one in power was punished after the revelations it was an insightful view into the country’s backward foreign policy.
Do I think Trump is corrupt? Yes. Do I think he owes shady people and foreign governments debts? Yes. Do I think Russia is responsible for decades of questionable elections in the United States? No. Either way, after four years of “Russians stole the election” being echoed, now Trump supporters refuse to accept the results of Biden’s narrow victory. It’s a possibility that the more truth and facts are available, perhaps people can use the information to demand better leaders. Reality is the eighth whistleblower to have been charged with the Espionage Act since it was enacted in 1917. In an open democracy, I think she and other truth-tellers would be championed for their public service.
“United States vs. Reality Winner” recently had its World Premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival
UNITED STATES VS. REALITY WINNER Bonus Scene "Middle America" from Codebreaker Films on Vimeo.
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