4.6.23
Reality reminds us that sometimes, fact is indeed stranger than fiction. It’s a pretty unusual chamber piece, which delves into the true story of Reality Winner (yes, her real name) and whether or not she leaked classified documents regarding the 2016 USA elections. It’s a simple premise, but deliberately heavy and unsettling in style to manufacture a sense of dramatic energy and moral ambiguity.
The film excels in setting the mood and building ripe tension. Whether it be the ‘good cop bad cop’ routine of the FBI agents, the status of Reality’s cat, or ever knowing if she is truly alone in the house or not, these ideas create a pressure cooker atmosphere. The smart interplay between real audio footage and acting adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, creating an immersive and unique style of storytelling. I remember seeing this technique used before in a British film called The Arbor (Clio Bernard), however, I think Reality does it better, mainly because the stakes are higher and the economy of only having four actors means that it suits the confines of the film’s limited but effective style.
Going in knowing nothing about the case is the way to go here, as I felt I could slowly begin to ponder Reality’s role and mindset as an individual working for the state. Sydney Sweeney’s nuanced but believable portrayal of a distinct and hard to work out individual reveals the importance of introspection. Sweeney is really such a versatile actor, and although she may be best known for her beauty and intense performances in Euphoria, I think she shines in her more understated roles such as this and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Reality is a really interesting film that I’m glad I seeked out. It speaks a lot about modern notions of truth and justice, and will linger in your mind for days after seeing it.