Winner, directed by Susanna Fogel, stars Emilia Jones as the main character Reality Winner, and runs for 103 minutes. At first glance, there's nothing inherently wrong with the film. The acting is solid, especially from Emilia Jones, who delivers a nuanced and compelling performance. The movie's pacing is well-crafted, and it flows smoothly throughout its runtime. The emotions it aims to convey - ranging from personal struggles to moments of warmth - are well-developed, and the connection with the main character is undeniable. You genuinely feel Reality's inner conflicts, her personality, and the intentions driving her actions.

However, despite all these positives, I can't recommend Winner for one simple reason - though it may seem petty to some. In the very first minutes of the movie, we're introduced to the fact that Reality is being arrested, accused of violating the Espionage Act, and is suspected of being a terrorist. It sets up what appears to be a tense and engaging storyline about her legal battle and the fallout of those accusations. Unfortunately, the film never fully capitalizes on that promise. Instead, much of the movie focuses on her personal life - her relationships with her family and boyfriend, her love for animals, and her concern for global suffering.

While these aspects of her character are important, the core issue - the accusations against her - feels like background noise for most of the film. There's very little focus on the actual legal developments or consequences of her actions, which is disappointing given how strongly the film starts by presenting those stakes. The result is a movie that's solid on its own but sets the wrong expectations from the outset. If the focus had been more balanced or if the initial setup hadn't leaned so heavily on the legal drama, it might have been a more cohesive experience.

In conclusion, Winner is a decent film with strong performances and solid pacing, but it ultimately falls short by not delivering on the narrative expectations it sets in its opening moments. I give it a 6 out of 10.

Winner* is an absolute triumph in storytelling. The script is tight, intense, and keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The plot revolves around a young woman caught in a web of betrayal, navigating a world of corruption and deceit. The lead actress delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing every emotion with depth and conviction. Her portrayal of a conflicted and determined woman truly elevates the entire film.

The political intrigue and moral dilemmas make the movie all the more captivating. You can't help but root for the protagonist, even as she walks the fine line between right and wrong. The direction is sharp, the dialogue gripping, and the stakes feel incredibly high throughout.

**A Vignette if This Happened in Malaysia** If *Winner* had been set in my homeland of Malaysia, the story would have taken a far darker turn. The lead character's actions-essentially acts of treason against the state-would've had severe consequences here. Treason is treated with utmost seriousness, and in Malaysia, such acts could easily result in the death penalty. The tension of the film would be even more heightened, as the stakes are not just career-ending or reputation-destroying but life-threatening. The cultural and legal context would make *Winner* an even more intense watch, adding a layer of realism and peril that hits much closer to home.