We use ads to keep this site running, so please consider disabling your ad blocker. Thank you!
Do not know how to disable ad blocker? Check out this article: How to disable ad blocker?
Directed by
Scott Z. Burns
Made by
Amazon Studios
Discover the intricate plot of The Report (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In early 2009, after dedicating two years to an investigation of the 2005 destruction of significant CIA interrogation videotapes, Daniel Jones, a Senate staffer, is chosen by Senator Dianne Feinstein to spearhead an extensive review of six million pages of CIA documents pertaining to the Agency’s employment of enhanced interrogation techniques (EITs). Jones and his small team, consisting of just six members, start their crucial work at a highly secure compartmented information facility situated at a covert CIA site in Virginia.
The narrative takes a turn as it revisits the harrowing events of the September 11 attacks in 2001. CIA employees at the Counterterrorist Center (CTC), including Bernadette, alongside other colleagues, anxiously absorb the unfolding events through live broadcasts. In the days that follow at CIA headquarters, DCI George Tenet reports on a significant meeting with President George W. Bush and CTC director Cofer Black, where crucial decisions regarding counterterrorism operations begin to take shape. Notably, legal counsel John Rizzo informs the team that the President has authorized the CIA to “capture and detain suspected terrorists.” The following year sees contracted intelligence psychologists, Bruce Jessen and James Elmer Mitchell, trained to implement EITs within the CIA.
As investigations deepen, Daniel faces setbacks when half of his team departs after the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiates its own inquiry into the CIA’s practices. Despite this, Jones forges ahead with the help of his remaining colleagues, April and Julian. A pivotal meeting with FBI agent Ali Soufan leads Jones to uncover critical facets of the CIA’s interrogation program, particularly in relation to Abu Zubaydah’s case. The juxtaposition of the FBI’s rapport-building methods against the CIA’s EITs highlights the moral conflict at play. Bernadette supports the newly adopted techniques, but Soufan asserts that crucial intelligence was gathered from Zubaydah prior to the CIA taking charge of the interrogations.
During a significant briefing in Senator Feinstein’s office, Jones presents irrefutable evidence from CIA records that suggest the Agency was aware Zubaydah wasn’t an Al-Qaeda operative, contrary to their assertions to the DOJ. This misleading information results in the harsh approval for the use of EITs on Zubaydah, ultimately making him the first detainee subjected to torture.
A clandestine meeting reveals that Raymond Nathan, a physician assistant with the Office of Medical Services, corroborates that medical professionals had voiced concerns over EITs being classified as torture, yet were met with only stern reprimands from upper management. Nathan recounts witnessing Zubaydah’s horrific experience during waterboarding.
As Jones and his team examine the tragic story of Gul Rahman, who succumbed to hypothermia due to CIA interrogation methods, they find themselves grappling with the shocking nature of their findings. Jones shares his discoveries with Senator Feinstein and her aide, Marcy Morris, emphasizing the importance of preventing such incidents from recurring.
Following the release of the astonishing Panetta Review, an internal critique of the EIT program, Jones remains undeterred despite encounters with significant opposition from the CIA. They challenge key findings in the report, claiming no unique intelligence was gained through the application of EITs and highlight the inexperience of contractors Mitchell and Jessen, who received substantial compensation for their controversial methods.
Frustration builds when Senator Mark Udall confronts CIA officials during a hearing, advocating for the integrity of the committee’s study. Amid these confrontations, Jones diligently safeguards a copy of the Panetta Review, fearing it could be destroyed similarly to the interrogation videotapes.
When Brennan and the CIA retaliate against Jones for his tenacity, they initiate an unwarranted search of his office, which breaches the separation of powers agreement. In a bid to unveil the truth, Jones discreetly hints to a New York Times journalist about the CIA’s misconduct. This leads to public allegations against the agency, spurring courage from Senator Feinstein, who ultimately stands by Jones during a tense confrontation.
As the political landscape shifts with the Republican Party gaining Senate control in the 2014 midterm elections, the urgency intensifies for releasing the report’s summary. Senator Feinstein, with the support of John McCain, who poignantly shares his own experiences with torture, delivers a powerful speech outlining the report’s implications.
In a stark epilogue delivered through intertitles, it is revealed that after the report’s publication, Jones resigned from his position amid an environment where no CIA personnel faced criminal charges for their actions. Alarmingly, many were promoted, with one even ascending to the directorship of the CIA.
Track the key events of The Report (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Investigation Commences
In early 2009, Daniel Jones begins an intensive investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes from 2005. He is selected by Senator Dianne Feinstein to lead a review of over six million pages of CIA documents related to enhanced interrogation techniques.
September 11 Attacks
The movie recounts the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as CIA personnel at the Counterterrorist Center grapple with the unfolding attacks. Employees, including Bernadette, watch the chaos unfold on live television, prompting urgent discussions on national security.
CIA's Response Strategy
In the days that follow the attacks, DCI George Tenet meets with President George W. Bush and CIA director Cofer Black. They discuss critical counterterrorism operations and authorize the CIA to capture and detain suspected terrorists, setting in motion controversial interrogation tactics.
Contracted Intelligence Psychologists Trained
In 2002, contracted psychologists Bruce Jessen and James Elmer Mitchell are trained to implement the enhanced interrogation techniques authorized by the CIA. Their invasive methods become a central aspect of the Agency's controversial approach to interrogation.
Setbacks in the Investigation
As Daniel Jones delves deeper into his investigation, he encounters obstacles when half of his team leaves due to the Department of Justice initiating its inquiry. Despite these challenges, Jones perseveres with the support of April and Julian, aiming to uncover the truth.
Meeting with FBI Agent
A crucial meeting with FBI agent Ali Soufan reveals vital information about the CIA's interrogation practices, particularly regarding detainee Abu Zubaydah. This discussion contrasts the FBI's rapport-building techniques with the CIA's harsh and controversial EITs.
Presentation in Senator Feinstein's Office
During a critical briefing, Jones presents compelling evidence indicating that the CIA was aware Zubaydah was not affiliated with Al-Qaeda. This misinformation leads to the authorization of enhanced interrogation techniques against him, marking a dark milestone in the Agency's actions.
Concerns Over EIT Classification
In a clandestine meeting, Raymond Nathan, a physician assistant, reveals that medical professionals had expressed their concerns over the classification of EITs as torture. His testimony outlines the traumatic experience Zubaydah endured during waterboarding, bringing to light the moral implications.
Tragic Story of Gul Rahman
As investigations continue, Jones and his team confront the tragic narrative of Gul Rahman, who succumbed to hypothermia due to the CIA's interrogation methods. This discovery highlights the severe consequences of their work, amplifying the urgency for accountability.
Release of the Panetta Review
Following the internal critique known as the Panetta Review, Jones faces pushback from the CIA as they challenge the report's findings. The review asserts that no unique intelligence was gained through EITs, leading to rising tensions between Jones and the Agency.
Senate Hearing Confrontation
Frustration escalates when Senator Mark Udall confronts CIA officials during a hearing, staunchly defending the integrity of the committee's study. In the midst of this political battle, Jones takes precautionary measures to protect the Panetta Review document.
CIA Retaliation Against Jones
In retaliation for Jones's relentless pursuit of the truth, the CIA unlawfully searches his office, violating the separation of powers agreement. Jones discreetly informs a New York Times journalist about the misconduct, igniting a public outcry against the CIA.
Support from Senator Feinstein
During a tense confrontation amid rising tensions, Senator Feinstein supports Jones as he stands firm against pressure from the CIA. Their collaboration exemplifies the struggle for transparency and justice in the face of institutional wrath.
Political Shift in 2014
As the Republican Party gains Senate control in the 2014 midterm elections, the urgency to release the report summary increases. Senator Feinstein, alongside John McCain, delivers a poignant speech stressing the report's implications, highlighting the importance of accountability.
Jones Resigns
In an epilogue presented through intertitles, it is revealed that after the report's publication, Daniel Jones resigns amidst an environment where no CIA personnel faced legal repercussions for their actions. Shockingly, many individuals involved were promoted, raising serious ethical concerns.
Meet the characters that bring The Report (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Daniel Jones (Adam Driver)
Daniel Jones is a dedicated Senate staffer tasked with a monumental investigation into the CIA's controversial interrogation practices. His integrity and determination drive the narrative, as he confronts bureaucratic obstacles and moral dilemmas. Through his journey, Jones embodies the struggle for truth in a system fraught with challenges.
Senator Dianne Feinstein (Annette Bening)
Senator Feinstein is a pivotal figure in the push for transparency regarding the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques. Her unwavering support for Daniel Jones and his investigation reflects her commitment to accountability. She navigates political pressures while advocating for justice and human rights, making her a crucial ally in the narrative.
Bernadette (Maura Tierney)
Bernadette is a CIA employee who finds herself caught between the agency's directives and the moral implications of enhanced interrogation. Her perspective showcases the internal conflict faced by those involved in intelligence operations, adding depth to the portrayal of the agency's culture during this period.
Raymond Nathan (Michael C. Hall)
As a physician assistant, Raymond Nathan provides crucial insights into the medical ethics surrounding enhanced interrogation. He stands as a voice of dissent within the CIA, articulating the moral hazards of classifying torture as legal. His character highlights the complexities and moral debates present within intelligence operations.
Uncover the settings of The Report (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2001-2014
The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous period marked by significant events such as the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror. It highlights the challenges and implications of U.S. counterterrorism strategies in the aftermath of these attacks. The story also reflects a critical time for intelligence agencies, as they navigate legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding enhanced interrogation techniques.
Location
CIA Headquarters, Virginia
The film's primary location is a highly secure compartmented information facility set up by the CIA in Virginia. Known for its secrecy, this facility is where sensitive intelligence operations are processed and analyzed. The events outside this secure location, particularly the September 11 attacks, serve as a backdrop that profoundly impacts the actions and decisions made within.
Explore the core themes of The Report (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⚖️
Justice and Accountability
The film explores the struggles faced by Daniel Jones and his team as they seek to hold the CIA accountable for its use of enhanced interrogation techniques. It raises vital questions about morality, government transparency, and the pursuit of justice in the face of political pressure and institutional resistance. The theme resonates strongly as the narrative reveals the cost of truth in the pursuit of accountability.
🕵️♂️
Truth and Whistleblowing
As Daniel Jones uncovers disturbing evidence of torture and misconduct, the film delves into the complexities of whistleblowing. It portrays the personal and professional risks associated with exposing the truth against powerful institutions. The theme underscores the importance of integrity and transparency in governance, especially in matters of national security.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.