Reality – A Simple Yet Tense Character Study That Packs a Punch

Sometimes the most simple works can be the most effective when it comes to telling a story. Eliminating all the prototypical bells and whistles helps to remove what could be considered distractions and allows audiences to focus on characters and themes on a deeper level. When it comes to Reality, a drama based on the true story of former American intelligence operator Reality Winner (also highlight in the documentary (United States vs. Reality Winner), it is pretty barebones but definitely makes the most out of its circumstances, crafts a tense character study that plays out like a three character stage play. That is because it is based on the play by Tina Satter who directed and co-wrote the film. She structures the film in an inventive way by building it around archival footage and a real FBI transcript of an audio recording of them executing a search warrant of her home, leading to her eventual arrest. Running at a brisk 82 minutes, it won’t be for everyone as it could come as dry as a result of the film’s dialog being pulled directly from that transcript. However, the performances spruce up this near masterclass in atmosphere which uses tension to create a palpable sense of claustrophobia that only got worse (or better) as the film went on.

As mentioned, Reality tells the story of former American intelligence operator Reality Winner (Sweeney) who was given the longest sentence for leaking confidential information to the media relating to alleged Russian interference back in the 2016 United States presidential election. On June 3rd, 2017, she was confronted by a pair of FBI agents (Hamilton, Davis) who executed a search warrant on Reality’s home and questioned her regarding her suspected involvement in the mishandling of classified information. To those unfamiliar with the true story, things may start off innocent enough and routine. Reality cooperated at every stage and seemed to be the furthest thing from an Edward Snowden type. A former U.S. Air Force member turned NSA translator with aspirations of using her knowledge working overseas, the last thing she wanted to do was to jeopardize that. As the film went on, layers were slowly pulled away as she was further interrogated by agents that clearly knew more than they were letting on but that went both ways.

Eventually realizing with what was really happening around her, a wave of anxiety and a palpable feeling of claustrophobia set in as the walls were seemingly closing in on Reality. Reinforcing its stage play feel, most of the film takes place in a back room of her house where she was interrogated. However, be it the score or the subtle sound work from the uncertain sounds of other FBI agents searching through the rest of her house, the film did a great job at keeping Reality and in turn, audiences uncomfortable throughout. Meanwhile, the camera work across the interrogation scenes made them into a true back and forth. Focusing on close ups of Reality, they show her devolution in real time, feeling anxiety and opening up to the agents as she felt the walls closing in on her. Despite the short running time, that character arc was easily the best part of the film. Though Reality may have done a bad thing, she is not demonized. She was merely a flawed person who did what she felt was right regardless of the probable repercussions.

In the end, the best part of Reality was the career-best performance by Sweeney as the titular character. The film literally rested on her shoulders and she certainly delivered. Keeping things barebones, it relies on Reality’s character arc but thankfully, Sweeney has the range to pull it off. Bringing innocence and vulnerability, watching that façade slowly crumble in the face of her circumstances, audiences could see that trajectory through her facial expressions and evolving mannerisms as she succumbs to a roller coaster of emotions. Choosing to focus the story on that moment in her life, allows that arc to humanize her. However, some will say that there isn’t all that much there. They will also say that Hamilton and Davis as Agent Garrick and Agent Taylor are window dressing used to facilitate Reality’s character arc. All things considered, Sweeney is worth the price of admission.

Ultimately, Reality is simple but it packs a punch.

still courtesy of HBO

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.