Reality

Reality

Year: 2023

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Tina Satter

Drama

In June 2017, the quiet life of 25-year-old Reality Winner is shattered when FBI agents execute a search warrant at her Georgia home. The ensuing interrogation reveals a complex situation as her world unravels and the boundaries between truth and deception become increasingly unclear. The events explore the circumstances leading to her arrest and the subsequent investigation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Reality (2023)

Trace every key event in Reality (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

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.

May 9, 2017 Office
2

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.

June 3, 2017 Reality Winner's Home
3

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.

Reality Winner's Home
4

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.

Reality Winner's Home
5

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.

Reality Winner's Home
6

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.

Reality Winner's Home
7

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.

Reality Winner's Home
8

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.

NSA
9

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.

Reality Winner's Home
10

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.

Reality Winner's Home
11

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.

Reality Winner's Home
12

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.

N/A
13

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.

N/A
14

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.

N/A
15

Document's Senate Reference

The epilogue also verifies that the document Winner leaked was referenced in the Senate as concrete evidence of Russian interference in the elections. This detail solidifies the importance and impact of her actions on the national stage.

Senate

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:17

Unlock the Full Story of Reality

Don't stop at just watching — explore Reality in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Reality is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Reality Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Reality, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Reality Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Reality

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Reality. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Reality

Reality Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Reality? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Reality Ending Explained

More About Reality

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Reality: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Reality

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