From Emmy-nominated turns in top TV shows like "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus" to high-profile big-screen gigs like "Anyone but You," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and "Immaculate," Sydney Sweeney has quickly risen to A-list level in the last few years. But though her growing IMDb is full of popular credits, there are still a few that have been comparatively overlooked.
One such hidden gem is "Reality," a 2023 crime drama directed by Tina Satter (who first staged the story as a play, "Is This a Room") with a screenplay co-written by Satter and James Paul Dallas. The taut, topical thriller is based on the real-life interrogation transcript of American intelligence officer Reality Winner (played by Sweeney), who is questioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for her part in leaking classified documents about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
"Reality" might be a surprising watch for viewers who all-too-simply put Sweeney in the blonde bombshell box, as it features a gripping and mature performance from the 27-year-old star. Need more convincing? Here's why you should add "Reality" — which is streaming now on HBO Max — to your watchlist.
What is 'Reality' about?
In a departure from her more well-known roles like popular cheerleader Cassie Howard and judgmental teen Olivia Mossbacher, Sweeney plays Reality Winner (and before you ask, yes, that is her real name), a U.S. Air Force veteran and translator employed by the National Security Agency.
When FBI agents arrive at her home in June 2017 to confront her about suspicions that she leaked an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections from NSA website to the media, reality — pardon the pun — hits, with Winner having to come to terms with the legal ramifications of the data breach.
Along with Sweeney, the film also stars Josh Hamilton, Marchánt Davis, Benny Elledge and John Way.
Why you should stream 'Reality' on HBO Max
Having FBI agents infiltrate your home to confront you over a federal felony is certainly high stakes enough, but "Reality" ups both the intensity and authenticity of the story by pulling its dialogue word-for-word from actual transcripts of the FBI's tense conversation with Winner.
“I was reading the dialogue like, ‘You can’t even write stuff like this!’" Sweeney shared in a 2023 interview with USA Today. “I was very intrigued by it (but also) scared, because I knew I wanted to be able to honor Reality’s voice as much as possible.”
And the actress does a great job of portraying the young American whistleblower in the Peabody-winning film, giving a subtle, controlled and altogether riveting performance as a woman trying to hold it together while the rug is completely pulled out from under her. "'Reality's' narrow scope and gripping fact-based story add up to a riveting showcase for Sydney Sweeney in the title role," praises the critical consensus over at Rotten Tomatoes, where the docudrama holds a very strong 93% approval rating.
Watch "Reality" on HBO Max now
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