The film faced significant backlash regarding its depiction of "enhanced interrogation techniques" (torture). Some viewers and organizations argue the film incorrectly implies that torture led to critical intelligence, while director Kathryn Bigelow has maintained the film is a chronicle of history, not an endorsement of the methods.

Critical reception

The film begins with the CIA's efforts to gather intelligence on bin Laden's whereabouts, following the 9/11 attacks. The story centers around Maya, a young and determined CIA analyst, played by Jessica Chastain, who becomes obsessed with finding bin Laden.