Watch Official Secrets

Official Secrets is a powerful drama movie directed by Gavin Hood and released in 2019. It stars Keira Knightley, who portrays Katharine Gun, a British intelligence officer who becomes a whistleblower, and Matt Smith and Matthew Goode, who play journalists working to expose the truth. The story of Official Secrets is based on true events that took place in 2003, in the lead-up to the Iraq War. Gun works at the Government Communications Headquarters (GHCQ), the British intelligence agency responsible for intercepting communications. When a memo from the US National Security Agency (NSA) is sent to the GHCQ, she is shocked to read that the NSA is requesting their help in spying on United Nations Security Council members in the lead-up to a vote on a resolution authorizing the war in Iraq. Gun becomes more and more disillusioned with the government and decides to leak the memo to the press.

The movie follows Gun's journey as she grapples with her conscience, knowing that leaking classified information could result in severe consequences for her and her family. Knightley gives a powerful performance, portraying Gun's inner turmoil as she struggles with the decision to follow her conscience or to stay loyal to her government. She plays Gun as a complex, multi-faceted character, who is both vulnerable and courageous.

Smith and Goode also shine in their roles as the journalists who receive the leaked memo and work to verify its authenticity. They play Martin Bright and Ed Vulliamy, respectively, and their performances highlight the risks and pressures faced by journalists who expose powerful governments. The critical support of the three leads is brilliantly rewarded by the strong performances of the ensemble cast.

What makes Official Secrets such a compelling movie is its exploration of the ethics of whistleblowing and the risks of challenging the establishment. It raises important questions about the role of the government and the media in a democracy, and the line between national security and the freedom of the press. Moreover, the movie expresses the heroism of the three individuals involved in the whistleblowing and their dedication to the principles for which they stood firm.

Although the movie is slow-paced in parts, its message packs a punch. Official Secrets is a reminder that the events of this movie took place less than twenty years ago and remains an essential reminder of the importance of free speech, freedom of the press, and the actions necessary to ensure both.

Overall, Official Secrets is a well-crafted film that combines an engaging storyline with excellent performances from its cast. It is a thought-provoking and intense movie that raises important questions about the role of government in a democracy and the importance of holding those in power accountable. A must watch!

Official Secrets is a 2019 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 63.