Against All Enemies is the most terrifying documentary to be playing a film festival since Alt-Right: Age of Rage premiered in 2018.

Thematically, the film is on par with Alt-Right: Age of Rage with way too many jaw-dropping moments to count. I mean, how is it that they got this much footage on camera with the Proud Boys, 3 Percenters, and Oath Keepers. These militias think they’re doing the right thing but much like the KKK, they are nothing more than white supremacists. Put it this way: I had to watch comedy and music almost immediately after viewing. It’s the sort of doc that will leave a lot of feelings, for better or worse. Where January 6 plays a big role in this documentary, the film looks at how the United States reached this point. How is it that so many military veterans were radicalized into becoming domestic terrorists?

I don’t care if they feel the need to have the camaraderie feeling again. If one’s sense of purpose means fighting against democracy, they need to rethink their sense of purpose. Trying to overthrow the government and an election is not democratic. It speaks to the authoritarian and fascist principles that Trump and DeSantis are campaigning on. It is white nationalism, not American democracy. What they’re doing is going against the very ideals that represent American democracy. I cannot stress it enough. White nationalism has no home here. It is nothing more than hate.

From a journalistic perspective, I can see why they decided to platform seditious traitors to America. But at the same time, I’m like, no, there is no need to give these asshole traitors any kind of a platform. That’s exactly what they are: forking traitors who are going against the very Constitution that they took an oath to defend. It’s sickening. Meanwhile, you have the likes of Kristofer Goldsmith, who initially struggled in finding a place after returning from the military. He eventually found his place and now he’s tracking domestic terrorists across the country. And then there’s Gen. (Ret.) Stanley A. McChrystal, who is the polar opposite of the disgraced Michael Flynn.

Right-wing politicians were asked to be interviewed but not surprisingly, they declined. They only appear via archival footage spewing their white supremacist BS, go figure.

Against All Enemies is no doubt terrifying but it’s a reminder that the stakes have never been higher when it comes to American democracy.

DIRECTOR: Charlie Sadoff
SCREENWRITERS: Sebastian Junger, Ken Harbaugh, Charlie Sadoff

Against All Enemies holds its world premiere during the 2023 Tribeca Festival in the Spotlight Documentary section. Grade: 3.5/5

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