Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, violence in female-led whistleblower biopic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Winner
What's the Story?
WINNER is based on the true story of Reality Winner (Emilia Jones), an Air Force linguist who went to work for the National Security Agency (NSA). She eventually blew the whistle on the NSA, revealing to the public that the U.S. government knew there was Russian interference in the 2016 election. Her actions landed her in prison, where she was faced with extreme punishment because, according to her, the government sought to make an example out of her. The film also portrays Winner's home life, including the differences between her social worker mother (Connie Britton) and her staunchly activist father (Zach Galifianakis), her layered relationship with her sister (Kathryn Newton), and her intense focus on doing what she feels is right.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun film that also tells a very serious story about how the U.S. government can turn on its own, even if the public needs to know what the government might be hiding from them. Jones' portrayal of Reality Winner could have easily been grating, seeing how laser-focused Reality is on her activism. But instead of coming off as obnoxious or unlikable, Reality is funny, cool, and admirable for her convictions. Her flaws do bring her down to a relatable level, as does the fact that she realizes a little too late that prioritizing social friendships and relationships is just as important as being committed to your sense of activism. Overall, Winner is a humanizing portrayal of an American political figure who's been unfairly ridiculed—both for her name and for her courage to fight against the system.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about activism. What fuels Reality's sense of activism in Winner? Can you think of other movies about the subject?
How does Reality's family's dynamic affect her relationships with her mother and father? Do the characters feel realistic?
How are women and female points of view portrayed in the film? Why are diverse representations important in the media?
How does Reality demonstrate courage? Why is that an important character strength?
How accurate do you think the film is to what actually happened? Why do filmmakers sometimes change the facts in movies that are based on real life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 13, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : September 13, 2024
- Cast : Emilia Jones , Kathryn Newton , Zach Galifianakis , Connie Britton , Danny Ramirez
- Director : Susanna Fogel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Vertical
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language, sexual material and drug material
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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