The Great Hack
The Great Hack

Movie spotlight

The Great Hack

2019
Movie
114 min
English

Data—arguably the world’s most valuable asset—is being weaponized to wage cultural and political wars. The dark world of data exploitation is uncovered through the unpredictable, personal journeys of players on different sides of the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data story.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users86%
Director: Karim Amer, Jehane NoujaimGenres: Documentary, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

This documentary investigates the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how the data of millions of Facebook users was harvested without their consent. It follows the journalists and whistleblowers who exposed the company's practices and explores the broader implications for democracy and privacy in the digital age. The film delves into the methods used to influence elections and public opinion through targeted advertising and psychological manipulation.

Critical Reception

The Great Hack received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising its timely and important subject matter, engaging storytelling, and compelling interviews. It was lauded for shedding light on the complex issues surrounding data privacy, corporate power, and the vulnerabilities of democratic processes in the age of social media. The documentary was commended for its ability to translate complex technical and political issues into an accessible and impactful narrative for a broad audience.

What Reviewers Say

  • A vital and terrifying look at the weaponization of personal data.

  • Effectively explains complex issues surrounding data privacy and its impact on democracy.

  • Features compelling characters and a narrative that grips the viewer.

Google audience: Google users largely approved of "The Great Hack," appreciating its insightful exploration of data privacy and its impact on society and politics. Many found the documentary to be eye-opening and important, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding social media and data exploitation. The film was praised for its clarity in explaining complex topics and for bringing attention to a critical contemporary issue.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

Fun Fact

The documentary features testimony from Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee who became a whistleblower, revealing the extent of the company's operations and the data-gathering techniques used.

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