Reality 2023

Watcher of News

On May 9, 2017, Reality Winner is at her office where she watches a Fox News report regarding the firing of James Comey by President Donald Trump. This event marks the beginning of a sequence of significant incidents in her life that lead to her later actions.

Return from Grocery Shopping

Just 25 days later, on June 3, 2017, Reality Winner returns home from grocery shopping. She is unexpectedly confronted by FBI agents who come with a search warrant for her home and belongings.

FBI Search Begins

As the FBI agents, Taylor and Garrick, enter her home, they begin searching her belongings. During this time, Winner engages in casual conversation with the agents, which becomes a crucial recorded element in the narrative of the film.

Concern for Pets

Amidst the chaos of the search, Winner expresses concern for the safety of her pets, which include a dog and a cat. This highlights her anxiety and humanizes her amidst the unfolding investigation.

Background Inquiry

Winner cooperates with the agents and moves to an empty bedroom for a private conversation. During the inquiry, she shares details about her background, revealing her work as a Farsi translator and her aspirations to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Investigation Disclosed

The agents inform Winner of their investigation into a recent leak of classified documents. Initially denying any involvement, she is subjected to an hour of questioning that gradually leads her to confess to her actions.

Admission of Guilt

After intense questioning, Winner admits to printing and leaking a document from the NSA. Her confession highlights the pressure faced by individuals in such high-stakes interrogations and the consequences of their actions.

Details of the Leak

The leaked document contained evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, which was later published by The Intercept. This action places Winner at the center of a national debate on whistle-blowing and national security.

Clarification of Intent

Throughout the interrogation, Winner clarifies that she never intended to undermine the intelligence community like Edward Snowden. Her motivations were solely aimed at bringing crucial information to public awareness.

Taken into Custody

As the questioning concludes, Winner realizes the severity of her situation and that she will soon be taken into custody. Her primary concern remains for her pets, emphasizing her emotional turmoil at the moment.

Media Backlash

Footage shows Winner being escorted out of her home in handcuffs while news media report on her actions. The public reaction is sharply divided, with some lauding her bravery and others branding her a traitor.

Criticism of The Intercept

In the wake of Winner’s actions, The Intercept faces criticism for their role in publishing the leaked documents. Many suggest that their publication enabled authorities to trace the leak back to Winner, raising questions on responsible journalism.

Consequences of Whistle-blowing

The film explores the ramifications of Winner's actions, which some believe were met with harsh punishment to deter future whistle-blowers. This tension highlights the risks associated with revealing governmental misconduct.

Charges and Sentencing

The film concludes with a textual epilogue outlining that Winner was denied bail and charged under the Espionage Act. She served four years in prison and will remain under supervised release until November 2024, demonstrating the long-term consequences of her decisions.