Cover-Up

As "Cover-Up" (2025 release; 118 min.) opens, we are introduced to investigative reporter Seymour "Sy" Hersh. Turns out that Oscar-winning director Laura Poitras had asked Hersh about making a documentary of his work as an investigative journalist in 2004, but he had refused. Now 20 years later the agrees, and he has turned over all of his files to the film makers. First up is Hersh's work at exposing the 1968 My Lai massacre in Vietnam and the subsequent cover-up by the US government. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary by Laura Poitras ("Citizenfour") and Mark Obenhaus. Here they get access to not just Sy Hersch the man but also all of his files including his notes. They let Hersh do the talking, and all we have to do is to sit back and watch, with mouth wide open. Hersh is at the same level as the Washington Post's Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward (the latter appears in the documentary). Hersh is now 88 years young, and he continues doing his work to this very day.

"Cover-Up" premiered at this year's Venice film festival, to immediate and widespread acclaim. The documentary started streaming on Netflix this weekend, and I couldn't wait to watch it. "Cover-Up" is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. If you are in the mood to find out more about Sy Hersh and what makes him tick, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Seeing all of the events and stories that have emerged over decades creates a context for many recent and ongoing events in the U. S. We can only hope that there are more brave people willing to speak up and take actions to bring truth to light. This is the perfect time for this documentary to be released. I hope it reaches many, many people.

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus has crafted an interesting political thriller documentary about Seymour Hersh and how the United States of America tried to cover-up a lot of information for the crimes and war moments in the Vietnam War. Filled with interesting editing choices and interview discussions throughout, how Poitras and Obenhaus portrays the themes and subjects are interesting and straightforward. Where it helps add a sense of clarifying, engagement and surprises with the subjects it's being explored. Having not known much of Hersh, the documentary does a good work on exploring about his importance, his work, and including showcasing the person he is. Alongside with some fun humorous choices throughout.

With the good presentation and structure, there are some strange music choices that felt a little cheesy and unbalanced. Especially with some of the pacing and information that felt a little repetitive or a bit too long. But as a whole, it isn't the best from Poitras but it's still a good one.