Reality
Official release poster
Directed byTina Satter
Screenplay by
  • Tina Satter
  • James Paul Dallas
Based onIs This a Room
by Tina Satter
Produced by
  • Noah Stahl
  • Brad Becker-Parton
  • Riva Marker
  • Greg Nobile
Starring
CinematographyPaul Yee[1]
Edited by
  • Jennifer Vecchiarello[2]
  • Ron Dulin
Music byNathan Micay[3]
Production
companies
  • Seaview
  • 2 Sq Ft
  • Burn These Words
  • In the Cut Productions
  • Fit Via Vi
  • Cinereach
  • Tanbark Pictures
Distributed byHBO Films
Release dates
  • February 18, 2023 (2023-02-18) (Berlinale)
  • May 29, 2023 (2023-05-29) (United States)
Running time
82 minutes[4]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1.1 million[5][6]

Reality is a 2023 American crime drama film directed by Tina Satter from a screenplay by Satter and James Paul Dallas. It is based on the FBI interrogation transcript of American intelligence leaker Reality Winner, which Satter previously staged as the play Is This a Room.[7] It stars Sydney Sweeney as Winner, with Josh Hamilton and Marchánt Davis in supporting roles.

Reality premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2023, and was released on May 29, 2023, by HBO Films. It has received critical acclaim, with praise for Satter's direction and Sweeney's performance.

Plot

On May 9, 2017, Reality Winner watches Fox News coverage on the firing of James Comey by President Donald Trump on the TV at her office. 25 days later, on June 3, Winner returns home from grocery shopping, where she is confronted by FBI agents Taylor and Garrick, who explain they have a warrant to search her house and her belongings. As a team of agents arrive and begin searching the house, Winner engages in casual conversation with the agents, all of which is picked up by recording device, the transcript of which forms the basis of the film's dialogue. During the early portion of the recording, Winner expresses concern for her dog's and cat's safety during the search.

Winner agrees to speak with Taylor and Garrick in an empty, disused bedroom in her house. Garrick and Taylor start to ask her about the specifics of her work. She explains, besides working as a yoga instructor and CrossFit trainer, she is a Farsi translator for a government contractor and is hoping to be deployed to Afghanistan as a translator so her fluency in Pashto can be better utilized. The agents eventually reveal they are questioning Winner about the recent leak of classified government documents to an online publication. Winner initially denies knowledge, but over the course of an hour is eventually compelled to confess she printed and leaked a document from the National Security Agency's database. The film initially redacts specifics of the leak, as is done in the transcript, but it is eventually revealed that the documents revealed proof of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections and the publication was The Intercept, which had put out a call for evidence of Russian interference.

Winner denies wishing to be a whistleblower or to undermine the intelligence community à la Edward Snowden, instead saying she wanted the American public to have the same information the government had about the election. As the interrogation wraps up, she chiefly expresses concern for her pets as she realizes she will be taken into custody. She is escorted out of her house and handcuffed, as footage is shown of media reports about the leak. Winner receives both praise and criticism for her actions, with some accusing her of colluding with the Middle East or denying the veracity of the leaks altogether. Some outlets criticize The Intercept for allowing the leak to be traced to Winner, and others theorize that Winner's punishment was designed to discourage potential whistleblowers.

A textual epilogue explains that Winner was denied bail and charged under the Espionage Act. She spent four years in jail and will remain on supervised release until November 2024. It notes that the same document Winner leaked was later used on the Senate floor as evidence of Russian interference.

Cast

Production

Development

The film depicts the interrogation of intelligence leaker Reality Winner, which took place on the day of her arrest on June 3, 2017. A former enlisted US Air Force member and NSA translator, Winner leaked an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections to the news website The Intercept. She was confronted at her home in Augusta, Georgia, by FBI agents R. Wallace Taylor and Justin C. Garrick, who interrogated her over the course of an hour in an unused room in the house.[8]

Tina Satter turned the interrogation transcript into the verbatim theatre performance Is This a Room (based on the transcript quote "Is this a room? Is that a room?" spoken in the film by an FBI agent played by John Way), which premiered at The Kitchen in 2019 before an extended off-Broadway run at the Vineyard Theatre later that year. The production starred Emily Davis as Winner, with Pete Simpson and TL Thompson as the interrogators, and Becca Blackwell as "Unknown Male", a classification in the transcript for dialogue from multiple FBI agents who were inspecting Winner's house during the interrogation.[9][10] The play premiered on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre on October 10, 2021, and closed on November 27, 2021.[11] Winner was not involved with the production during its initial off-Broadway run due to her imprisonment, and was unable to see the Broadway production due to still being under house arrest, but spoke with the creative team extensively after her release from prison and video-called into the opening night performance's curtain call.[12]

In June 2022, it was announced that Is This a Room would be adapted into a film, with Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, and Marchánt Davis starring and Satter directing in her film debut, from a screenplay she co-wrote with James Paul Davis.[13][14] In preparation for her role, Sweeney watched interviews and spoke with Winner over Zoom and text. She used these conversations to understand Winner's speaking mannerisms, which she mimicked. Mindful of Winner's job as a yoga trainer and CrossFit instructor, Sweeney also trained to increase her muscle mass, in some cases using workouts Winner posted on her Instagram.[15] In addition to her conversations with Sweeney, Winner consulted with the wardrobe and art departments throughout the production process.[15] Despite her involvement and support for the film, Winner claims she will likely never see it, due to finding the prospect of reliving the day of her arrest too traumatic.[16]

Filming

Principal photography began in May 2022, over the course of 16 days.[17] Exterior filming was done at the start of production, with the final 9–10 days focused on filming inside the room set. The entire interrogation sequence was filmed in order, which Sweeney found unusual, as most productions she had worked on filmed out of order.[15]

Release

The film received its world premiere at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2023.[18] Shortly thereafter, HBO Films acquired US distribution rights to the film.[19] It was released on HBO on May 29, 2023.[20] The film was given a theatrical release in international markets including the United Kingdom and Ireland on June 2,[21] Australia on June 29,[22] and France on August 16.[23]

Reception

Sydney Sweeney at the "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California.
Sydney Sweeney's performance garnered widespread praise from critics.[24][25][26][27][28]

Reality received positive reviews from critics at Berlinale, with praise for Satter's direction and the cast performances (particularly Sweeney's).[29][30] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 93% of 92 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8/10. The website's consensus reads: "Reality's narrow scope and gripping fact-based story add up to a riveting showcase for Sydney Sweeney in the title role."[31] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 83 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[32]

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praised the transition from the minimalist set design of Is This a Room to the film's realistic recreation of Winner's house, noting "Satter shows unfaltering command of the medium for a first-time film director", highlighting the use of the closeup as a direct translation of the play's surreal storytelling.[33]

Accolades

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Berlin International Film Festival February 25, 2023 Panorama Audience Award – Feature Film Reality Nominated [34]
GWFF Best First Feature Award Tina Satter Nominated [35]
Jerusalem Film Festival July 23, 2023 Best Documentary Reality Won [36]
Gold Derby Awards August 16, 2023 TV Movie Reality Nominated [37]
Awards Daily Cooler Awards September 18, 2023 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series Sydney Sweeney Nominated [38]
Gotham Independent Film Awards November 27, 2023 Best Feature Reality Nominated [39]
Cinema Eye Honors January 12, 2024 Heterodox Award Reality Nominated [40]
Critics' Choice Awards January 14, 2024 Best Movie Made for Television Reality Nominated [41]
Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries Sydney Sweeney Nominated

Notes

  1. ↑ "Unknown Male" is a classification in the transcript referring to multiple FBI agents who were present in Winner's house on June 3, 2017, several of whom were caught on the audio recording.

See also

  • Winner, an upcoming film also based on Reality Winner

References

  1. ↑ "Reality". PaulYee.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Jennifer Vecchiarello" (PDF). The Gersh Agency. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 16, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Nathan Micay Scoring Tina Satter's 'Reality'". Film Music Reporter. January 7, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Reality (12A)". Irish Film Classification Office. May 16, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Reality (2023)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Reality (2023)". The Numbers. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  7. ↑ Meyer, Dan (June 9, 2022). "Sydney Sweeney to Star in IS THIS A ROOM Movie". Theatrely. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  8. ↑ Timm, Trevor (June 2, 2018). "Whatever You Think of the Trump-Russia Investigation, Whistleblower Reality Winner Deserves Your Support". The Intercept. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018.
  9. ↑ Millward, Tom (October 25, 2019). "Is This A Room extends limited run at Vineyard Theatre". New York Theatre Guide. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  10. ↑ Kraine, Daniel (February 18, 2020). "Tina Satter Unlocks the Drama of an FBI Transcript". Extended Play. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  11. ↑ Harms, Talaura. "Is This A Room and Dana H. Extend Broadway Runs". Playbill. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  12. ↑ Evans, Greg (November 9, 2021). "'Is This A Room' Q&A: Director Tina Satter On A Changing Broadway, Last-Minute Reprieves & Hoping For A Visit From Reality Winner". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  13. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 8, 2022). "Sydney Sweeney & Marchánt Davis Lead Tina Satter's Whistleblower Feature About Reality Winner". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 10, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  14. ↑ Brunnerq, Raven (June 9, 2022). "Is This A Room-Inspired Movie Adaptation in the Works". Playbill. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  15. 1 2 3 Roxborough, Scott (February 16, 2023). "Berlin: Sydney Sweeney on Becoming NSA Whistleblower Reality Winner for Docu-Fiction 'Reality'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  16. ↑ Ryan, Patrick (May 29, 2023). "Sydney Sweeney talks true story behind Reality Winner movie: 'You can't even write stuff like this!'". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  17. ↑ Sweeney, Sydney (December 15, 2022). "first look at our film "Reality" the American whistle blower directed by Tina Satter. back in may @jhamilton @marchantdavis and I shot for 16 grueling days, one room, and our words taken directly from the fbi transcript. so excited our film will be premiering at @berlinale, can't wait to share more :)". Archived from the original on December 16, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Instagram.
  18. ↑ Roxborough, Scott (December 15, 2022). "Berlin Fest Unveils First 2023 Panorama and Generation Titles". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  19. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 24, 2023). "HBO Acquires Berlin Fest Buzz Title 'Reality;' Breakout For Its 'Euphoria' Star Sydney Sweeney As Leaker Reality Winner In Tina Satter-Helmed Docudrama". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  20. ↑ Scorziello, Sophia (May 11, 2023). "'Reality' Trailer: Sydney Sweeney Stuns as Whistleblower Reality Winner in HBO's Riveting Docudrama". Variety. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  21. ↑ Bradshaw, Peter (February 24, 2023). "Reality review – word-for-word replay of FBI interrogation is uncannily brilliant". The Guardian. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  22. ↑ Hall, Sandra (June 29, 2023). "Sydney Sweeney shines in true story of an NSA whistleblower". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  23. ↑ Haddad, Yohan (June 16, 2023). "Sydney Sweeney est une vétérane de l'armée au passé trouble dans Reality [bande-annonce]". Première (in French). Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  24. ↑ Rooney, David (February 18, 2023). "'Reality' Review: Sydney Sweeney Is Devastating as Reality Winner in Taut Thriller Shaped from FBI Transcript". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  25. ↑ Oddo, Marco Vito (February 20, 2023). "'Reality' Review: Sydney Sweeney Gives Her Best Performance Yet in Masterful and Tense True Story". Collider. Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  26. ↑ Bramesco, Charles (February 18, 2023). "'Reality' Review: Sydney Sweeney Delivers A Tour De Force As A Cornered Whistleblower". The Playlist. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  27. ↑ Green, Steph (February 18, 2023). "'Reality' Review: Sydney Sweeney Stuns in Fact-Based Single-Room Whistleblower Thriller". IndieWire. Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  28. ↑ Kiang, Jessica (February 18, 2023). "'Reality' Review: Sydney Sweeney Is Outstanding as Whistleblower Reality Winner in a Clever, Gripping Docudrama". Variety. Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  29. ↑ Heath, Paul (February 19, 2023). "'Reality' review [Berlinale 2023]". The Hollywood News. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  30. ↑ Saito, Stephen (February 18, 2023). "Berlinale 2023 Review: "Reality" Reconsiders What's a Danger to the Public". The Moveable Fest. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Reality". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Reality". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  33. ↑ Rooney, David (February 18, 2023). "'Reality' Review: Sydney Sweeney Is Devastating as Reality Winner in Taut Thriller Shaped from FBI Transcript". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 20, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  34. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (December 15, 2022). "Berlinale Reveals First Panorama, Generation Titles For 2023 Edition". Variety. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  35. ↑ "GWFF Best First Feature Award Jury - Deed News". web.archive.org. February 14, 2023. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  36. ↑ "JFF 2023 Winners". Jerusalem Film Festival. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  37. ↑ Ford, Daniel Montgomery,Chris Beachum,Marcus James Dixon,Denton Davidson,Ray Richmond,Christopher Rosen,Joyce Eng,Latasha; Montgomery, Daniel; Beachum, Chris; Dixon, Marcus James; Davidson, Denton; Richmond, Ray; Rosen, Christopher; Eng, Joyce; Ford, Latasha (August 16, 2023). "2023 Gold Derby TV Awards ceremony: 'Succession' wins 7, 'The Bear' takes 4, Pedro Pascal is Performer of the Year [WATCH]". GoldDerby. Retrieved November 19, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  38. ↑ "Time To Reveal the 8th Annual Awards Daily Cooler Awards Nominees!". Awardsdaily. July 11, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  39. ↑ Lewis, Hilary (October 24, 2023). "'Past Lives,' 'A Thousand and One' and 'All of Us Strangers' Top Gotham Awards Film Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  40. ↑ Saperstein, Pat (November 16, 2023). "'Kokomo City' Leads Nominations for Cinema Eye Documentary Honors". Variety. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  41. ↑ Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (January 14, 2024). "Oppenheimer, Barbie, The Bear lead 2024 Critics Choice Awards: See the full winners list". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
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