Review: JUSTICE
by Karen Pecota

USA, 2023 Director: Doug Liman

Renowned filmmaker Doug Liman of THE BOURNE IDENTITY and FAIR GAME makes his documentary debut with JUSTICE, a last-minute addition to the line-up of films at Sundance Film Festival 2023. Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival Director of Programming, said, "We were fortunate to see JUSTICE later in the programming process and were moved by its resolve to raise questions and provoke dialogue." Adding, "Documentaries have always been a crucial aspect off the essence of Sundance and reflect the influential power of storytelling. We are honored to amplify this impactful work that dares to challenge through the addition of Doug Liman's film."

I got the word that Liman's film JUSTICE was a surprise addition to the festival program with only two screenings available: one for the public and one for the press. I was bound and determined to get to one and was fortunate to get in. I was curious if the film would provide new information regarding the scandalous Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Liman pieces together revealing information, with compelling evidence, calling into question the process by which Kavanaugh was confirmed, as well as a detailed testimony from Deborah Ramirez. Liman focused on her account of Kavanaugh's sexual misconduct. Ramirez repeats the allegations in a sit-down interview with the JUSTICE team. The New Yorker's Ronan Farrow and Jane Mayer were the first to hear and document Ramirez's story of how during her freshman year at Yale in 1983, "Kavanaugh had exposed himself at a drunken dormitory party, thrust his penis in her face, and caused her to touch it without her consent as she pushed him away." Kavanaugh has denied all allegations.

Liman features former classmates, and longtime friends of Ramirez, Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford. Their accounts are worth a listen! They give fascinating insights, such as, classmates of Ramirez were frustrated with the FBI when they would not interview them.

Liman's film raises far more questions than gives answers. Due to the new number of tips received since the completion of JUSTICE, Liman says that this is not the final cut. My take-away is that this is a warning to anyone who feels entitled to escape allegations of sexual misconduct or even perjury that hold high offices in our land. More eyes are watching, and those people are unafraid to bring-to-light abuse, and wrongdoing no matter the position, wealth or fame held.