Winner

Reality is a linguistically gifted, idealistic young woman who joins the Air Force and later works as an NSA contractor. Her passion for social justice drives many of her decisions, including taking dangerous steps to expose information she believes should be public. The film follows her from disciplined training to the personal and legal fallout of leaking secrets.

Billie is a devoted mother and social worker who tries to humanize Reality in the media and defend her daughter amid mounting public scrutiny. She remains a steady, protective force as the family dynamics unravel and Reality faces prison. Her resilience anchors the narrative’s emotional core.

Brittany is Reality’s sister who navigates her own marriage to a conservative partner while supporting her sister’s cause. Her arc illustrates how family loyalties contend with ideological divides and personal choices. She represents familial continuity amid upheaval.

Ron is the unemployed, introspective father whose depression and substance use strain the family. His illness becomes a catalyst for Reality to recommit to her beliefs, while his deathbed moment offers a final push to persevere. His character embodies the cost of national and personal conflict.

Andre is a local bartender and aspiring veterinarian who becomes Reality’s partner. Their relationship provides emotional support but ultimately ends as Reality’s path becomes consumed by her work and whistleblowing. He represents ordinary life briefly intersecting with extraordinary events.

Kaylee is Reality’s co-worker at Fort Meade, with whom she shares key translations about suspicious activity. Their professional bond underscores the immediate consequences of intelligence work and the moral ambiguity of their discoveries. Kaylee’s role highlights collaboration under pressure.

Taylor is Brittany’s conservative husband whose values and relationship dynamics contrast with Reality’s world. The marriage serves as a lens on how political and personal beliefs influence families under strain. His presence underscores the film’s exploration of personal compromise.

Agent Garrick is a NSA contractor involved in the operational side of surveillance. He represents the institutional perspective and the pressures faced by those who manage sensitive information. His interactions with Reality illuminate the friction between duty and conscience.