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politics

“Agents of Chaos” digs up the Russian troll farms that decided 2016

Agents of Chaos
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Alex Gibney’s latest work of docu-journalism details the misinformation campaigns holding our social media (and sense of trust in institutions) hostage.

Ashley Lara Posted on September 26, 2020September 28, 2020

“Boys State” peers at the intersection of politics and masculinity

Boys State
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Young men wade into the waters of Trump-era politics, showing a haunting, hopeful glimpse of our political future.

Clint Worthington Posted on August 14, 2020August 14, 2020

“AKA Jane Roe” lays bare the complex figure at the heart of Roe v. Wade

AKA Jane Roe
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FX’s new documentary compellingly charts Norma McCorvey’s journey from pro-choice activist to paid pro-life figurehead.

Beau North Posted on May 21, 2020May 21, 2020

“Becoming” is a portrait of a First Lady on fire

Becoming Michelle Obama
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Nadia Hallgren’s Netflix film probes the post-presidency life of Michelle Obama, and the pressures she faces both in and out of the White House.

Beau North Posted on May 5, 2020May 5, 2020

SXSW: “The Dilemma of Desire” Examines the Politics of Passion

SXSW The Dilemma of Desire
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Maria Finitzo’s documentary celebrates female sexuality in all its varied forms.

Douglas Laman Posted on March 23, 2020March 23, 2020

“The Plot Against America” Is Alt-History and Chilling Reality

The Plot Against America
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David Simon and Ed Burns’ adaptation of the Philip Roth novel paints a harrowing picture of an alternate America that feels all too prescient.

Sarah Gorr Posted on March 11, 2020March 11, 2020

Sundance 2020: “Once Upon a Time In Venezuela”

Once Upon a Time In Venezuela
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Anabel Rodríguez Ríos’s documentary about tension in the small village of Congo Mirador is both singular and specific.

Matt Cipolla Posted on January 31, 2020January 31, 2020

Richard Jewell Review: Jewell of Denial

Richard Jewell
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Clint Eastwood’s latest tests the limits of perception, even as it loses the script with its portrayal of the media.

Michael Snydel Posted on December 11, 2019December 11, 2019

The Politician Review: Ryan Murphy Works Overtime For Your Vote

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Ryan Murphy’s first show for Netflix throws everything at the wall, and not all of it sticks.

Marshall Estes Posted on September 23, 2019September 22, 2019

Issues Are the New Black: “Orange Is the New Black”’s Final Season Doubles Down on Injustice

Orange is the New Black Season 7
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In a year of TV series reaching their much-vaunted conclusions, Orange Is the New Black went out with a seventh season filled with drum-banging polemic.

AJ Black Posted on August 11, 2019August 11, 2019

Fantasia 2019: “Sons of Denmark” Haunts With Timely Political Violence

Sons of Denmark
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Ulaa Salim’s tense, complex political thriller shines a light on the very modern terrors of far-right nationalism, and the radical violence that rises in response.

Clint Worthington Posted on July 12, 2019July 12, 2019

What’s My Name – Muhammad Ali Review: Sports Doc Gets In Good Hits But Pulls Some Punches

what's my name: muhammad ali
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Antoine Fuqua’s HBO doc about the greatest fighter of all time is an intriguing, if uneven, dive into the man behind the myth.

Michael Snydel Posted on May 21, 2019August 10, 2020

Penny Lane on “Hail Satan?”, Religion in Politics, and Making Her First ‘Normal’ Documentary

Penny Lane Hail Satan
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Documentarian Penny Lane returns to our weekly interview podcast to talk about her deeply funny, insightful dive into The Satanic Temple.

Clint Worthington Posted on May 3, 2019August 7, 2020

Brexit Review: The Big (Ben) Short

Brexit HBO
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HBO’s latest is a didactic lecture of a Brexit primer whose handsome performances hide a smug political nihilism.

Clint Worthington Posted on January 19, 2019August 3, 2020
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