War Game Documentary Explores Terrifying Hypothetical of a Bigger Jan. 6 Scenario in 2023

On a tense day of contemplation, "War Game," a documentary that delves into the unsettling notion of a more severe Jan. 6 scenario, was brought to life. The thought-provoking film, released on Jan. 6, 2023, shines a spotlight on a group of political figures and intelligence and military experts as they engage in a high-stakes role-playing exercise, simulating a harrowing series of events.

The film captures the intense simulation orchestrated by the Vet Voice Foundation, an advocacy group for veterans. The setup mirrors traditional war games utilized by the U.S. Defense Department, with the objective of preparing participants for potential real-life crises. The enactment features a fictitious incumbent president, portrayed by Steve Bullock, and a compelling antagonist in the form of a group of extremist rebels. The opposing teams navigate through the escalating turmoil, with the clock ticking on their mission to avert a full-blown crisis.

The Creative Team

"War Game" is brought to life through the skilled direction of Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber, in collaboration with Vet Voice. The filmmakers masterfully distill the intricate six-hour-long simulation into a riveting 94-minute visual narrative. The use of evocative lighting, dynamic camerawork, and deft editing techniques imbues the portrayal with a palpable sense of urgency and suspense, holding the audience in rapt attention throughout the unfolding chaos.

As the simulation hurtles towards a climactic resolution, the participants, including the compelling portrayal of the president by Steve Bullock, deliver captivating performances that draw the viewers into the high-stakes scenario. Notably, Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. senator, commands the screen with her portrayal of the president's resolute senior adviser, adding a layer of gritty realism to the unfolding events.