Cover-Up

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Cover-Up

R

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1h 57m

Documentary

History

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Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Cover-Up is a political thriller that traces the explosive career of Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Seymour Hersh. Urgent and deeply reported, Cover-Up is both a portrait of a relentless journalist and an indictment of institutional violence and the cycles of impunity in the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Drawing on exclusive access to Hersh’s notes, and interweaving primary documents and archival footage, Cover-Up captures the power and process of investigative journalism.

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Critics Consensus

Cover-Up shines a light on Seymour Hersh's remarkable career and the pugnacious commitment it required, making for an absorbing and instructive treatise on journalistic responsibility.

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Keith Uhlich

(All (Parentheses)) (Substack)

Jan 18

When it comes to the darker shades of Hersh's personality and pursuits, Poitras and Obenhaus tend to pull a Homer Simpson-style hedge retreat rather than probe deeper into the behavioral and psychological verdure.

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Robert Levin

Newsday

Jan 6

4/4

You don't have to be a journalist to appreciate this terrific movie.

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John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

Dec 29

“In case anybody cares,” he tells his directors at one point, “this is becoming less and less fun.” Speak for yourself.

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Louisa Moore

Screen Zealots

6d

A sharp, unflinching look at the constant tug-of-war between truth and power, showing how systemic secrecy and self-preservation can rot the foundations of democracy.

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Dorothy Woodend

The Tyee (British Columbia)

Jan 12

It is fascinating to witness Poitras push Hersh on certain aspects of his life’s work, revealing one of the unsung heroes of the story, namely Elizabeth Sarah Klein, the journalist’s wife of over 60 years.

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Clara Cuccaro

In Review Online

Jan 9

Cover-Up succeeds as a portrait of a journalist shaped by a recently bygone era... [and] reminds viewers of what investigative journalism once demanded, and why those demands still matter.

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Derek C.

@bussboy 2d

Honestly, really sad and frightening how the stories from now directly compare to the stories as far back as probably...ever.

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Kyle M

3d

These documentaries are how political thrillers are developed, and historical demonstrations of advocating prevention from amoral repetition. They also come with a studious angle that adds a profound layer on the portrait that echoes across the present topics as timely presented. It’s all transpired from being enthralled on this impeccably delivered documentary of a man’s warpath against the governmentally abusive wrongdoings that are borderline hypocritically criminal, and his representative morale plus faults is clearly more honorable in high regards. (A-)

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John H.

@Hihner 4d

Excellent. Did not remember this growing up. Worth the watch for sure !

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Sanne d

@Sannedevries 6d

Cover-Up is a compelling and thought-provoking political thriller documentary. As someone in my 30s who appreciates investigative storytelling, I was absorbed by the film's deep dive into Seymour Hersh's career and the way it exposes systemic issues. The mix of archival footage and interviews keeps the narrative engaging and informative. It's an important watch for anyone interested in journalism and the pursuit of truth.

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Ido K

@BrandStrategyGuru Jan 19

An interesting documentary. The script was a bit all over the place, but still important for people to learn about this.

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Andyy O

@AndyyO Jan 18

Sy likely feels more poignant today than any other time in US government history. A nightmare of revealing the truth about liars. I cannot imagine how he must feel about the world today. A truth seeker and revealer. Exactly who we all need today. A must see film that is relevant for today's Times, when it comes to speaking truth to power. A mentor for us all. Sy Hersh is the Judicial of public opinion, more powerful than any court.

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Mark Obenhaus

Director

Laura Poitras

Director

Seymour Hersh

Self

Mia Cioffi Henry

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Synopsis

Cover-Up is a political thriller that traces the explosive career of Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Seymour Hersh. Urgent and deeply reported, Cover-Up is both a portrait of a relentless journalist and an indictment of institutional violence and the cycles of impunity in the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Drawing on exclusive access to Hersh’s notes, and interweaving primary documents and archival footage, Cover-Up captures the power and process of investigative journalism.

Director: Mark Obenhaus, Laura Poitras
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Praxis Films
Rating: R (Some Language)
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 5, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 26, 2025
Runtime: 1h 57m

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