New whistle-blower docu-drama is a real ‘Reality’ check

‘Reality’ is the new, highly anticipated American whistle-blower film directed by Tina Satter and showing at Luna Leederville from June 29, 2023.
The gripping docudrama is based on a true story and delivers a thought-provoking narrative that shines a light on the moral dilemma faced by individuals who expose hidden truths in the pursuit of justice.
Following the official FBI transcript, the subject of the film Reality Winner, (portrayed brilliantly by Sydney Sweeney), is a determined if slightly awkward 25-year-old woman who works as a Farsi (Iranian language) translator for a sensitive government agency.
Set in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017 at the beginning of the Trump Presidency, Reality grapples with her conscience, ultimately deciding to forward some classified documents to an online website specifically designed to help expose government corruption.
Her secret correspondence relates to possible Russian election fixing in the recent 2016 election and the film begins with Reality returning from a quiet morning’s shopping to find the FBI at her door.
The two placid-looking inquisitors (Josh Hamilton and Marchánt Davis) explain they are only there to ‘tie up a few loose ends’, before eventually isolating Reality in a back room to distract her with chitchat while other agents comb through the house.
Satter is a veteran theatre director who has already staged this production as a play in 2019 and on Broadway in 2021.
At that time, the show’s title was ‘Is This a Room’; one of the more bizarre quotes taken from the transcript of Reality’s nearly five-hour ‘interview’ by the FBI.
Satter shows her talent by transitioning smoothly into her feature film debut with help from writer James Paul Dallas.
In conclusion, ‘Reality’ is a must-see film that expertly delves into the world of whistleblowing, anchored by an outstanding lead performance and a captivating true narrative.
It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge powerful institutions.
Through its engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes, the film encourages viewers to examine their own perspectives on truth, justice, and the pursuit of a better society.

By Mike Peeters

mikepeetersmedia.com.au