Published on March 26, 2026
Raoul Peck’s documentary “Orwell: 2+2=5” draws exclusively from the novels and diaries of George Orwell, with no interviews, dramatizations, or additional testimonies. The film features an exceptional performance , who provides a captivating reading of Orwell’s works in the original English. This singular focus serves as a double-edged sword for Peck, who both writes and directs the film. It not only serves as an invitation for audiences to re-examine Orwell’s literature but also emphasizes the urgent relevance of these texts as a powerful indictment against all forms of authoritarianism, particularly in today’s political climate.
The documentary is a thought-provoking response to the resurgence of fascism across the globe, using Orwell’s insights to draw parallels with contemporary issues. Peck effectively updates the formula of biographical documentaries, connecting Orwell’s life and works with the pressing realities of the present day. “Orwell: 2+2=5” presents a stark and chilling portrait of modernity tumultuous eras: the early 20th century and the early 21st century.
Peck navigates the rise of authoritarianism through the lens of Orwell’s thoughts, which remain profoundly relevant. The film offers a compelling critique of how fascistic ideologies have permeated both established democracies and authoritarian regimes. Peck’s thesis asserts that fresh forms of fascism emerge not only in repressive states but also in democratic societies where unchecked hyper-individualism and market deregulation prevail.
Critics might argue that such comparisons are exaggerated, but Peck makes no distinctions between leftist and rightist populisms. His approach is more analytical than accusatory, focusing on the motivations behind these shifts rather than the individuals perpetuating them. Through Orwell’s words and a deft blending of historical footage and contemporary images, the documentary reveals a disturbing cycle between past and present.
The film explores the chilling slogans of Orwell’s “Big Brother”: “War is peace; Ignorance is strength; Freedom is slavery.” Peck’s greatest achievement lies in illustrating how these phrases, once seen as outdated or horrifying, have reentered public discourse with alarming normalcy, embraced and leaders within what is often considered the “free world.”
Particularly potent are the scenes reflecting on Donald Trump’s re-election bid in 2024, where Peck juxtaposes Orwell’s account of the Spanish Civil War with images of the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. Using AI-generated visuals to depict Trump as a champion of the marginalized, the film highlights the power of media manipulation and the growing indifference of voters to reality. In a short span, Peck connects Orwell’s themes to the current political landscape of America, sharply critiquing the supposed stability of its democracy.
Supporters of leaders like Trump, Putin, or Meloni may challenge Peck’s arguments as false or misrepresented. However, it’s noteworthy that many who hold power through deception rarely engage in constructive debate. Instead, the use of threats as a primary tool to silence opposition is starkly illustrated through various video clips showcasing these leaders. A notable segment features Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioning Mark Zuckerberg, revealing the underlying vulnerabilities of American technopolitics.
The film does not lose momentum when it shifts focus to Orwell’s life. Peck highlights Orwell’s final years, during which he wrote “1984” while battling tuberculosis in a Scottish sanctuary. Orwell’s last diary entries serve as both inspiration for future writers and a testament to his unwavering integrity and opposition to tyranny and oppression.
The documentary is also marked ’s creative use of film adaptations of “1984.” Rather than opting for a conventional route, Peck crafts a poetic narrative that turns Orwell’s exemplary life into a mirror reflecting the moral challenges of contemporary society. More than seventy years since Orwell’s passing, his insights compel us to scrutinize our collective values, calling into question what moral integrity means today in an age where many must rely on technology for ethical guidance.
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