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Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections (2020): Cast & Ratings

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections (2020) movie poster

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections is a 2020 documentary directed by Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale, starring Amy Klobuchar, Ron Wyden and Mark Warner. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes. Its Echo Score is 80/100.

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Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections About?

The premise of Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections without spoilers.

Before the 2020 Presidential election, this documentary explores the vulnerabilities within America’s election technology. It investigates startling weaknesses in voting systems and examines the significant risks they present to the democratic process. The film delves into the potential for cyberattacks and their impact on the integrity of elections.

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections Themes & Keywords

· 31 tags
  • election
  • hbo
  • blumhouse productions
  • voting
  • united states of america
  • american election
  • american voting system
  • american politics
  • voting machine
  • hacking
  • electronic voting machines
  • problem with voting machines
+19 more
  • voting booth
  • voting record
  • cybersecurity
  • usb memory stick
  • reference to voter registration
  • 2016 u.s. presidential election
  • election interference
  • russian election meddling
  • 2016 u.s. election
  • russian interference
  • u.s. senate intelligence committee
  • cyber crime
  • cyber espionage
  • cyber criminal
  • election rigging
  • election integrity
  • ballot paper
  • hacker
  • cybercrime
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Cast & crew

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections Cast

Amy Klobuchar leads the cast, with Ron Wyden and Mark Warner. Directed by Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections

· 1 more
From the directors

More from Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale

One more film directed by Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale: Hacking Democracy.

Ratings

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in rewatch factor (85) and weakest in sensory experience (70).

80 /100

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections Echo Score Breakdown

The documentary presents a compelling investigation into the vulnerabilities of American electronic voting, combining expert testimony with clear visual exposition. Critics note its ability to translate complex technical material into an understandable narrative, while viewers praise its urgency and relevance. Although some viewers question the balance of perspective, the film’s persuasive argument and unsettling revelations dominate. Overall, the work succeeds as an impactful, thought‑provoking expose on election security.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and visual construction, the documentary maintains a steady, well‑paced rhythm that guides viewers through dense technical content. Cinematography employs restrained color palettes and clear graphics to illustrate system flaws, while editing stitches expert interviews into a coherent whole. The production design supports the investigative tone, resulting in a polished presentation that enhances credibility.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When evaluating the documentary’s human element, Harri Hursti emerges as a compelling central figure whose expertise grounds the narrative. His interviews convey credibility and emotional urgency, and the interactions among bipartisan experts add depth to the subject matter. Although some critics note a partisan slant, the overall character portrayal remains persuasive and relatable, strengthening audience engagement.

  • Story & Flow 73

    The film’s storyline unfolds methodically, tracing historical breaches to contemporary election risks. Its pacing balances detailed technical exposition with real‑world examples, keeping viewers invested while avoiding overload. Originality stems from linking a global cyber‑war perspective to domestic voting systems. Some reviewers mention a lack of counter‑argument, yet the overall narrative remains coherent and compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    The sensory dimension relies on clear interview footage, on‑screen graphics, and a restrained score that underscores tension without overwhelming the content. Sound design accentuates moments of demonstration, such as machine hacks, while visual styling adopts a sober aesthetic to match the investigative tone. Though not cinematic in a traditional sense, the sensory choices effectively support comprehension.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    The documentary’s urgency and wealth of concrete examples give it strong rewatch value, as viewers may discover new details upon subsequent viewings. Its clear exposition and compelling expert testimonies encourage repeated reference, especially for those interested in election security. While some perceive bias, the film’s factual demonstrations ensure it remains a relevant resource over time.

Videos

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections.

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections (2020) | Official Trailer | HBO
Details

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Kill Chain: Kiberháború az amerikai választásokon” and “Iznīcināšanas ķēde: kiberkarš ASV vēlēšanās”.

Also known as
  • Kill Chain: Kiberháború az amerikai választásokon
  • Iznīcināšanas ķēde: kiberkarš ASV vēlēšanās
  • Ciberguerra en las elecciones estadounidenses
  • Kill Chain: La ciberguerra en las elecciones de los EUA
  • Smrtící řetězec: Americké volby v kyberválce
  • Kill Chain: Cyberatak na demokrację
  • 杀戮链条:美国大选网络战
  • Kill Chain: A Ciberguerra nas Eleições Americanas
  • ห่วงโซ่สังหาร: สงครามไซเบอร์ในการเลือกตั้งของอเมริกา
  • سلسلة القتل: الحرب السيبرانية على الانتخابات الأمريكية

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FAQ

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections?

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).

When was Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections released?

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections was released on March 26, 2020.

Who directed Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections?

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections was directed by Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale.

More films by Russell Michaels

Who is in the cast of Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections?

Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections stars Amy Klobuchar, Ron Wyden and Mark Warner, among 5 credited actors.

Does Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections have a post-credit scene?

No. Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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