Winner

Tho different in style, "Winner" explores the same subject as the recent "Reality": the NSA's Reality Winner who in 2017 leaked classified info on Russia's 2016 US election fixing. "Reality" focussed on her arrest to unveil its story in a clever & dry way, but "Winner" is lighter & brighter in showing her (here played by Emilia Jones - excellent yet again) family background (with folks Zach Galifianakis & Connie Britton and sis Kathryn Newton), motivations, sensitivities, etc. Kerry Howley's debut screenplay weaves a lot of info into a fun & digestible form for fine director Susanna Fogel. "Reality" & "Winner": two terrific complementary movies on one fascinating subject.

It's very humourous, and tells a very human story of an activist and person with a strong moral compass. If there were more people like her. We'd have fewer wars and stop hemmoraging money we need to fix this country and help the impoverished. Instead of funding needless conflicts and army bases all over the world. Instead of punishing whistleblowers we condemn and imprison them for speaking out against against secretive government policies that overall make us all less safe and less free. People live in their own echo chambers and have refused to read books or listen to other points of view from those who live in other countries, especially the ones we devastate with our bombs, just because we want their oil or they refuse to obey us.

Winner, directed by Susanna Fogel, stars Emilia Jones as the main character Reality Winner, and runs for 103 minutes. At first glance, there's nothing inherently wrong with the film. The acting is solid, especially from Emilia Jones, who delivers a nuanced and compelling performance. The movie's pacing is well-crafted, and it flows smoothly throughout its runtime. The emotions it aims to convey - ranging from personal struggles to moments of warmth - are well-developed, and the connection with the main character is undeniable. You genuinely feel Reality's inner conflicts, her personality, and the intentions driving her actions.

However, despite all these positives, I can't recommend Winner for one simple reason - though it may seem petty to some. In the very first minutes of the movie, we're introduced to the fact that Reality is being arrested, accused of violating the Espionage Act, and is suspected of being a terrorist. It sets up what appears to be a tense and engaging storyline about her legal battle and the fallout of those accusations. Unfortunately, the film never fully capitalizes on that promise. Instead, much of the movie focuses on her personal life - her relationships with her family and boyfriend, her love for animals, and her concern for global suffering.

While these aspects of her character are important, the core issue - the accusations against her - feels like background noise for most of the film. There's very little focus on the actual legal developments or consequences of her actions, which is disappointing given how strongly the film starts by presenting those stakes. The result is a movie that's solid on its own but sets the wrong expectations from the outset. If the focus had been more balanced or if the initial setup hadn't leaned so heavily on the legal drama, it might have been a more cohesive experience.

In conclusion, Winner is a decent film with strong performances and solid pacing, but it ultimately falls short by not delivering on the narrative expectations it sets in its opening moments. I give it a 6 out of 10.

Winner (2024) is an absolute must-see for anyone who values truth and integrity. The film brilliantly showcases the incredible courage of Reality Winner, a woman who risked everything to expose the dark truths the government desperately tries to hide. Emilia Jones delivers a breathtaking performance, capturing Reality's intense moral struggle with such visceral emotion that it pulls you deep into her world.

This film doesn't just tell a gripping story; it stands as a powerful testament to the sacrifices made by those who dare to defend what is right. Watching Reality's journey, I felt a surge of anger and admiration. The American government punishes heroes like her, labeling whistleblowers as criminals for exposing injustice. This film challenges us to reconsider our definitions of heroism and villainy, compelling us to celebrate those who bravely speak out.

Winner struck a profound chord within me. It served as a stark reminder of the costs of standing up for your principles, no matter the personal cost. Reality Winner's story doesn't just tug at your heartstrings; it forces you to confront what you would sacrifice to uphold the truth. This film lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, urging you to reflect on the true meaning of courage, integrity, and the fight against oppression. It resonates deeply with my core values, inspiring me to champion those who dare to challenge the status quo.

If you have seen the HBO production 'reality' then you may think, why bother to watch this version of the story of Reality Winner? Well this one has a much lighter, even comedic touch to it, they are both very different experiences. Whilst the HBO version may be more realistic in its presentation, 'Winner' is ultimately the more affecting of the two in my opinion. It could stand on its own as a film about a rebellious teen, and would be enjoyably involving, moving and thought provoking. However accurate it comes to portraying the facts and experiences of the situation, one thing is certain, it gets across the message regarding the state of the political, judicial and intelligence sectors of the USA. Which all, depending on your biases, are truly lacking. Maybe not so much as in even the majority of other countries, but certainly far from that aspirational 'Shining City on a Hill' mantra.

It's deeply ironic that a young ex forces woman was jailed for years for printing out a few pages, when the person who was the beneficiary of the Russian interference she wished to highlight, had boxes full of top secret documents he had stolen as a private citizen in his toilet, yet will likely never even see the inside of a prison cell?

This is a highly entertaining film, watch it.