NZIFF: Reality

Anchored by a remarkable performance from Sydney Sweeney, Reality reconstructs the interrogation and arrest of American whistleblower Reality Winner in real-time, to disturbing, pulse-pounding effect.

Sydney Sweeney delivers a performance of astonishing naturalism as unassuming yoga-teacher turned whistleblower Reality Winner in this assured debut from playwright Tina Satter. Adapted from Satter’s own play Is This a Room, Reality offers a real-time reconstruction of the events of June 3, 2017, when 25-year-old Reality Winner, air force veteran and yoga instructor, is confronted by FBI agents at her home in Georgia, after leaking classified documents related to Russian interference in the American election of Donald Trump in 2016 to the press.
As Winner is slowly coerced into revealing the truth to two agents, Satter’s film unfolds with chilling, low-key menace. At the centre of it all is Sweeney, tremors of terror registering in subtle ripples of emotion across her face. It’s a performance of vanity-free dedication and control from the Euphoria and The White Lotus star, and one that is sure to generate awards conversation at year’s end.
Rated M