Gaslit (2022)

Set in 1972 Washington D.C., the Watergate break in and the subsequent aftermath is seen through the eyes of several participants, principally John (an unrecognizable Sean Penn) and Martha Mitchell (Julia Roberts) and John (Dan Stevens) and Maureen Dean (Betty Gilpin). Based on the podcast SLOW BURN and directed by Matt Ross (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC), this eight hour limited series is gripping right from the start though it can't quite sustain itself all the way to the end and the last couple of hours flounder. Too much time is given to the courting and romance of John and Mo Dean which just isn't very interesting. The most engrossing storyline outside of the four principals is the black security guard (Patrick Walker) who discovers the Watergate burglary in progress and finds his life diminished. Although the film is factual, dramatic license is liberally taken. The film is a tour de force for Julia Roberts' aging Southern belle with an appetite for the spotlight which leads to the destruction of her life amid the corruption of the political wolves (including her spouse) around her. With Shea Whigham (excellent as the psychotic G. Gordon Liddy), Chris Messina, Darby Camp, Allison Tolman, Chris Bauer, John Carroll Lynch and Nat Faxon.