Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press is a balanced documentary about what has inspired the current state of journalism.

The film begins with the infamous trial between wrestler Hulk Hogan (aka. Terry Bollea) and news outlet Gawker Media over the distribution of Hogan’s sex tape and finishes with the birth of Donald Trump’s presidency.  Using this timely narrative (including clips that suggest a ridiculously tight turnaround), filmmaker Brian Knappenberger proposes a coherent thread that continuously removes layers to expose fascinating and disturbing motivations behind controversial cases where free speech was threatened.

The privacy debate that takes place during Hogan’s trial is still a good conversation starter when discussing where the line is drawn separating personal lives from widespread public, as well as the ethics of publishing certain content.  From there, Knappenberger reveals the underlying fuel that was driving this court case (which I won’t spill here, in case you were in the dark as I was), and he displays a supported opinion that stresses how loud money can talk when the wrong people are provoked.  However, does that mean key voices will be forever silenced because of high-rolling bullying?

Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press is an imperative watch for the “fake news” era.  Apart from the film having an aesthetically sharp production, the purpose of the film is to leave audiences feeling a bit more aware – which it does a great job of doing.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie