REVIEW - White With Fear (2025)

A Thought-Provoking Documentary That Demands Attention

I don’t typically review political films or documentaries. In fact, it’s a lane I tend to stay out of on Wilhelm because I always want my reviews to be about entertainment, storytelling, and the shared experience of film. But with the state of the world—and especially the current climate here in the U.S.—I felt compelled to watch White with Fear and share my thoughts.

Directed by Emmy Award-winner Andrew Goldberg, White with Fear is a sobering and in-depth examination of how political leaders, strategists, and media figures have used racial division, fear, and white victimization narratives to gain and hold onto power. The film takes an unflinching look at decades of political strategy, offering insight into how race and fear have been deliberately weaponized for political advantage.

One of the things I appreciated most about White with Fear is that, while it’s clear and direct in its perspective, it never feels like it’s preaching. Instead, it presents a series of interviews with people on both sides of the aisle—everyone from Steve Bannon and Newt Gingrich to Hillary Clinton and scholars like Eddie Glaude Jr. and Ian Haney López. The documentary allows these figures to speak for themselves, which I respected. Even as someone who tries to remain as unbiased as possible, the film made me think deeply about how narratives around race have shaped the political landscape over the last 50 years.

Visually, it’s a fairly straightforward documentary. It doesn’t rely on flashy graphics or cinematic tricks—instead, it puts the focus squarely on the conversations and historical footage. The simplicity of the presentation lets the gravity of the topic take center stage. And it works.

If there’s a critique, it’s that White with Fear is not an easy watch. It’s dense, and there are moments where it may feel like a lot to take in. But that’s also why I feel it’s important. This isn’t the kind of film you watch for entertainment—it’s the kind you watch to understand something more deeply.

White with Fear is currently on a nationwide screening tour, with several upcoming dates and locations:

Philadelphia, PA – Landmark Ritz Five | March 20, 2025 (One-night event)
Albuquerque, NM – Guild Cinema | March 21-24, 2025
Honolulu, HI – Hawaii Theatre Center | March 23, 2025

For a full list of upcoming screenings and more information, you can visit the official site at whitewithfear.com.

At the end of the day, whether you consider yourself politically engaged or not, this documentary offers valuable insight into the forces that have shaped—and continue to shape—our country’s political narrative. I walked away from it informed, challenged, and grateful that I took the time to watch.

Rating: 8.5/10