Insightful Documentary Explores Harrowing What-If: Could Another Jan. 6 Happen?

In a gripping documentary titled "War Game," viewers are thrust into a thought-provoking and harrowing scenario that many would prefer to ignore: the possibility of an insurrection far more organized than the events of January 6, 2021. The film, which was shot on January 6, 2023, follows a nonpartisan group composed of politicians, military advisors, and intelligence officials as they role-play a fictitious crisis similar to the Capitol attack. The documentary cleverly poses the question: What if there is another Jan. 6, but this time, it’s bigger, better organized, and driven by a more coherent ideological agenda? The war game, orchestrated by the Vet Voice Foundation, an advocacy group for veterans, showcases both the tension and urgency of a scenario where the very foundations of democracy are at risk. The players in this drama include Steve Bullock, the ex-governor of Montana, who embodies the role of President John Hotham. Bullock and his team find themselves in a frantic battle against time within a meticulously crafted Situation Room, their goal being to prevent a coup and restore order. Opposing them is a fictional extremist group, the Order of Columbus, which rallies behind the fictional losing candidate, Gov. Robert Strickland, played by actor Chris Coffey. The tension escalates when Kris Goldsmith, a veteran, enters the fray as a strategic mastermind, orchestrating moves and disseminating disinformation. This dynamic creates a palpable sense of dread as the players navigate the unfolding crisis. The parameters of the game are stark: the team has just six hours to quell the revolt and ensure a "peaceful transfer of power." As the clock ticks down, the urgency becomes increasingly intense, a reflection of real-life stakes that resonate deeply within contemporary political discourse. Directors Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber have successfully distilled this six-hour simulation into a taut 94-minute film, using dramatic lighting, slick camerawork, and brisk editing to create an engaging narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Among the standout performances is that of Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. senator from North Dakota, who plays a fierce senior advisor to President Hotham. Her portrayal adds an additional layer of gravitas as the team grapples with the implications of their roles and the underlying message of the war game's simulation. Janessa Goldbeck, the CEO of Vet Voice and a former Marine Corps combat engineer, serves a dual purpose in the film as both an onscreen producer and the voice of the offscreen governor of Arizona. Her presence ties together the various threads of the simulation and offers critical insights into the motivations behind the war game, which was inspired by a chilling 2021 op-ed by retired U.S. Army generals. Their call to action is stark: the threat of a successful coup is too real to ignore, and the urgent need for preparedness cannot be overstated. "War Game" thus emerges as more than just a documentary; it is a cautionary tale that underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of ideological extremism. As the country reflects on the events of January 6 and the ongoing threats to democratic processes, this film serves as a crucial reminder that vigilance, preparedness, and bipartisan cooperation are essential in safeguarding the future of democracy — a message that resonates profoundly in today's political climate.