Winner is an intense biographical drama that just started streaming on Hulu. It features a great cast led by It tells the story of Reality Winner, a former NSA contractor who became a whistleblower during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. It features a great cast led by Emilia Jones and drops a lot of interesting news facts you might not be aware of.
Unlike traditional whistleblower films that focus on the crime and subsequent capture, Winner mixes in humor and dives deep into the background of Reality Winner to show that her journey started at a young age. It shows how she struggled with the ethics of her work at the NSA as well as her decision to leak classified information about Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. It also discusses her prosecution and her struggle to maintain her beliefs.
Another thing this film shows is how the government lied about knowing Russians were attempting to interfere with the election, and when someone told us the truth, they were punished for it. It asks the question of whether Americans really care about this and potentially other lies. With the recent admissions from Facebook about being pressured to suppress content, the CBS Harris lawsuit, and so many other examples, it seems like the truth about just about anything is something the American people never hear, no matter what side you’re on, or what news source you follow.
Overall, Winner has been getting a lot of positive attention thanks to the great storytelling and fantastic performance by Emilia Jones, who really makes you feel for the character at several points. However, some online reviewers felt that the comedy didn’t sit right and that the film glamorizes a crime, especially since there was only evidence the Russians attempted a hack, not that they were successful.
Kerry Howley conducted multiple interviews with Reality Winner to capture an authentic portrayal of her experiences.
If you enjoy political dramas that explore ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifice while exposing secrets and raising questions, Winner is a great choice.
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