Reality movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Reality

This dramatic movie is now playing on HBO.

RATING: TV-MA

LENGTH: 1 hour 23 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is based on true events and weaves transcripts and photos from real events into the movie. The film was directed by Tina Satter. She and James Paul Dallas wrote the screenplay. It’s about a former American intelligence specialist who was given the longest sentence for the unauthorized release of government information to the media about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections via an email operation.

THINGS I LIKED:

I had never seen Syd Sweeney before but I’m now a fan. We’ll all see her in the next Marvel movie, so she’s sure to become a household name. She does a fantastic job showing subtle emotions on her face, slowly revealing layers of truth and guilt as the movie digs deeper. Casting did a great job because Syd looks quite a bit like the real Reality Winner.
The trio of cast members also includes Josh Hamilton and Marchant Davis.
It’s an interesting storytelling device to show the actual transcripts from which the dialogue was taken and to introduce the characters.
This was originally a stage play, but it feels like an original movie. Well done!
Reality Winner is a real person. We even get to see pictures of the real Reality that were taken on the scene, as well as find out what happened to her after the events seen in the movie.
We get to see how the FBI handles warrants. They seemed overly demanding and at times unreasonable. Did you think that too?
I was surprised Reality never asked for an attorney. Instead, she answered all of their questions when they first appeared at her door. They never informed her of her rights.
This is the kind of movie that will make you mad for a variety of reasons. I like movies that make you FEEL something, but especially THINK.
She looked so young! In fact, Reality was 26 when arrested.
And yeah, Reality is her real name.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There are moments when the screen distorts, which can be annoying. It’s an effect to visually and audibly conceal locations, names, etc.
There have been other movies called “Reality.” What name would you have given this film instead? Comment below!
Some viewers might want more information about the facts of the events after they watch the movie.
If you’re looking for action, you’ll be disappointed. The entire movie is just people standing around at Reality’s house, talking.
I wonder how the people in real life thought about how they were portrayed in this movie.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be completely bored. So will some adults.

THEMES:

Guilt
Language
Government power
Incompetent and corrupt government
Voting integrity
FBI polices and procedures

FUNNY LINES:

“Sorry. I have a sense of humor.” – Reality Winner (Sydney Sweeney)

INTERESTING LINES:

“I’m barely able to speak English.” – Garrick (Josh Hamilton) “English is hard.” – Reality Winner (Sydney Sweeney)
“You can’t turn on the TV without getting pissed off.” – Garrick (Josh Hamilton)
“I wasn’t trying to be a Snowden or anything.” – Reality Winner (Sydney Sweeney)