What would happen if the threat posed by the January 6, 2021 insurrection and storming of the U.S. Capitol was escalated in another, more serious event in 2025? That’s the question posed by “War Game,” a chilling documentary that takes viewers inside an elaborate, unscripted simulation where rogue members of the military stage an attack in the wake of a contested presidential election, and a bipartisan group of defense, intelligence, and elected officials have just six hours to prevent a Civil War and save democracy.
Simulating a coup where well-organized insurgents (with the aid of uniformed, active duty military members who break their oath to protect the Constitution) seize state Capitol buildings, take hostages, and have no fear performing acts of violent terrorism, the scenario is highly distressing simply because it’s so plausible.
The documentary plays out like a high-stakes political thriller. America is a divided country and it seems to only be getting worse, especially as confidence in our democracy has eroded within certain segments of society. There are insurgents from within who do as they’re told, and they are easy to manipulate with false information. There is a level of extremism within the ranks of the U.S. military that is growing, yet lawmakers have failed to adequately deal with the growing threat. The film examines what could happen if the President loses control of the military, which is especially alarming.
It’s all just a role playing exercise in national security, but getting a seat at the table is fascinating. These are some of the most intelligent political and military strategists in the country, and watching them sweat (literally) as the scenario unfolds is distressing. The stakes are high, and it’s a situation where every movement and decision could backfire or cause a chain reaction of events that could lead to total and complete chaos. It’s a whirlwind of serious considerations, a delicate balancing act to decide which steps to take in the moments of an attack.
The documentary isn’t visually stylish, as co-directors Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss take more of an observational approach. You feel like you’re right there in the room as the pressure builds (and an ominous countdown clock runs in the background), and it’s exciting for anyone who is interested in national security and politics. I wouldn’t go so far as to call this an edge-of-your-seat documentary, but it certainly is tense and gripping.
“War Game” is a wake-up call for the entire country.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 