Cover Up (now streaming on Netflix) follows a dedicated journalist creating a documentary about another veteran journalist. Laura Poitras, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for Citizenfour, co-directs this exploration of Seymour Hersh’s career—a prominent former investigative reporter for The Associated Press and The New York Times. Hersh, recognized for his revealing reports on war crimes by U.S. agencies during both the Vietnam and Iraq wars, has a film that’s already made it to the Oscar shortlist for 2026. Interestingly, this project has been developing for nearly two decades, primarily because Hersh is quite private about his sources and himself. However, he opens up about these issues in what becomes a compelling profile.
Cover Up: Stream or skip?
Key points: Seymour Hersh, often referred to as “Sea,” embodies the classic image of a newspaper reporter. Picture an askew tie, a tweed sport coat, and untidy hair, all amidst a chaotic mix of legal pads and newspapers. He has a hard gaze, a prickly personality, and a genuine accessibility. At 88, his sharpness remains intact, as evidenced by his discussions about the Gaza conflict with both Poitras and his sources. Growing up in a family that ran a laundromat, he found joy in conversations, which eventually led him into journalism. Hersh’s unconventional path took him to the Pentagon, but he chose engagement over complacency, opting to converse with officials rather than merely attending standard press events.
Hersh’s tenacity paid off when he uncovered a significant story about the My Lai massacre, wherein U.S. troops killed hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in 1969. This expose, aimed at showcasing supposed success by inflating death counts, thrust Hersh into the national spotlight. His straightforward demeanor remains unchanged as he reflects on the dark realities he’s reported, from grave acts of violence to personal tragedies. “You’re making me think things I don’t want to think about,” he admits to Poitras.
In one poignant moment, he shares how he broke down in tears while on the phone with his wife after discovering horrors that haunted him. That emotional depth perhaps fuels his drive to reveal truths. His career spans highlights like reporting on Watergate and the CIA’s unauthorized surveillance of American citizens, as well as the notorious “Family Jewels” report detailing CIA misdeeds and the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib—an episode that came to define his work. Critics and admirers alike recognize that Hersh often pushes boundaries that others shy away from. He has had his disputes with Poitras, even threatening to withdraw from the documentary due to concerns about protecting his sources. The fallout from certain interviews, like a radio talk about Abu Ghraib that some viewed as unfavorable to wartime America, didn’t bother him much; after all, he noted, “Nobody likes the messenger.”
Which movie does it remind you of? Perhaps it’s time for a fresh look at All the President’s Men. Poitras has also produced powerful documentaries, such as her works on Edward Snowden in Citizenfour and the compelling narrative surrounding activist Nan Goldin in All the Beauty and the Bloodshed.
Featured performance: No one could accuse Hersh of putting on an act in this documentary; witnessing his earnestness is both intriguing and revealing.
Sex and skin: None.
Our view: In this portrayal, Cover Up subtly critiques the state of journalism today. Hersh, a seasoned and fiery individual, understands that to delve deep into issues, one must confront uncomfortable truths. His interactions with Poitras and Obenhaus reveal a shared understanding that perhaps drives him through this project. The film does not provide an overt critique of Hersh but acknowledges the undeniable impact of his work. Poitras and Obenhaus masterfully navigate the complexities of his legacy.
Hersh’s narrative exposes some of America’s most troubling moments, while simultaneously emphasizing the responsibility of journalists to hold power accountable. This, consequently, critiques modern journalism that often prioritizes access and profit over truth. To be frank, that’s a departure from authentic journalism. Yet, that’s a crucial aspect of what’s at stake.
Interestingly, Hersh is candid about past mistakes, such as when he was “fooled” by falsified documents in his book, Dark Side of Camelot. His discussions with Poitras about a recent article’s reliance on anonymous sources reveal the complexities of a profession where not everyone can navigate successfully. Now operating independently on Substack, he faces a barrage of online criticism, an ever-growing challenge in today’s digital age. Though the film doesn’t dive deeply into his navigation of modern journalism’s landscape, it hints at his resilience. Throughout his long career, he has demonstrated a profound depth of courage and tenacity.
Our call: A documentary about an individual once labeled a “CIA infiltrator” is bound to be engaging. Let’s stream!
