‘Winner’ (2024) Movie Review - A Look Into Reality Winner and Her Life

Some of you may have seen the story of Reality Winner through Sydney Sweeney. Winner, directed by Susanna Fogel, takes a quirky and light-hearted approach to the true story of Reality Winner, the former National Security Agency contractor and Air Force linguist. Winner made headlines in 2017 when she was arrested for leaking a classified report about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Released from prison in 2021, her life has since become a subject of fascination. However, "Winner" approaches her story with an almost whimsical tone that contrasts starkly with the gravity of her actions.

The film paints Winner, played with spirited charm by Emilia Jones, as a figure who is as complex as she is compelling—a pink-gun-wielding, animal-loving, free-spirited millennial who embodies contradictions at every turn. Her skepticism toward mainstream narratives, such as her questioning of the official 9/11 story, and her unapologetic anti-authoritarianism stem largely from the influence of her leftist father, played with dry humor by Zach Galifianakis. This family dynamic provides some of the film's most endearing moments, adding warmth and humanity to Winner's more rebellious tendencies.

Fogel's direction strikes a curious balance between comedy and drama, offering a somewhat unconventional portrayal of a person whose life was shaped by an act of defiance. In many ways, "Winner" presents Reality as an icon of the "I’m not like other girls" generation—a young woman who doesn't fit into societal molds and wears her nonconformity proudly. But where this characterization might come off as quirky and relatable, it risks reducing the weight of her real-life decisions, glossing over the severity of the consequences she faced.

Despite its buoyant tone, "Winner" doesn't shy away from the larger questions at play. As the film tracks Winner's life from adolescence to the fallout after her arrest, it touches on themes of patriotism, moral integrity, and the conflict between personal beliefs and institutional loyalty. Yet the film’s upbeat approach may leave some viewers wishing for a deeper exploration of the ethical quandaries and emotional struggles that defined Winner’s actions.

Overall, "Winner" stands as a bold, if uneven, take on Reality Winner’s story. While it may not reach the intense emotional heights of "Reality," and her life, it offers a fresh, if somewhat superficial, look at a young woman whose life was forever altered by her refusal to remain silent.

The movie is an engaging watch despite its shortcomings, offering enough strengths to make it worth your time. While it may not be flawless, its unique approach and compelling moments outweigh any weaknesses, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience. The film's vibrant storytelling, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes come together to create a memorable piece of cinema that, despite its imperfections, leaves a lasting impression. Ultimately, it’s the kind of movie that sparks conversation, making it well worth a watch.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times