Melbourne International Film Festival 2025: Orwell: 2+2=5

 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW

Orwell: 2+2=5 is another incendiary archival narrated documentary from Raoul Peck that pokes provocatively at the prophetic parallels between Orwell’s 1984 and the realities of our contemporary cultural climate. Whilst it may be heavy-handed, unsubtle and direct, in an age of such deep psychological suppression and cauterised consciences, it may be that we require a spoon-fed approach to engage what little critical thinking ability people have left. 

Easily one of those documentaries that should be watched by people who will never see it, and instead seen by those who are already converted to its cause. But I don’t think that detracts from the obvious craft and care that Peck has taken in contrasting the works of Orwell with both historical parallels and current political realities. It’s really strongly edited, Damian Lewis brings a melancholy to Orwell’s narrated words, and the archival footage is very carefully selected. The inclusion of some recent underreported but shockingly recorded events is particularly impactful. 

War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.