In 2018, Director Daniel Robbins (Uncaged 2016, Bad Shabbos 2024) released Pledge; a Horror movie about fraternities and secret rituals. One of the stars of that film was Zack Weiner. Now Weiner, who also wrote Pledge, takes center stage in his own film called Citizen Weiner.
Set for release digitally and on VOD as of October 29, 2024 through Gravitas Ventures, again, this new movie is directed by Robbins. With that in mind, Citizen Weiner follows Weiner as he embarks on a campaign to get elected to New York City Council. Taking place in 2021, some audiences may even remember the campaign and in particular remember Weiner as the candidate who had a BDSM video of himself and a mystery woman leaked to the press.
Whilst the filmmakers probably did not intend this, oddly the 2021 setting is one of the most fascinating elements of this film. Citizen Weiner takes place amidst COVID restrictions and is a snapshot of a time that feels both extremely recent and simultaneously like it seldom happened. It is interesting to see moments where the wearing of masks is being strictly adhered to mixed in with as many moments where the restrictions are being completely ignored. However, as previously mentioned, this is not what this film is actually about. Although the fact that this is potentially more interesting than the film itself is relevant.
The problem with Citizen Weiner lies in its faux documentary style. Faux documentaries are a popular sub-genre, especially in short form, and it feels like in this case, the short form may have been preferable. A joke is funny until it has been repeated several times and has run out of steam. Citizen Weiner is exactly the same – it is funny until it runs out of steam. The film is so unserious so much of the time that as a result, it is hard to take any of it seriously. There appears to be little purpose to the whole endeavor other than to entertain the group of friends taking part.
This is not necessarily a negative; because watching a group of friends make a movie can be really fun. However at times, it does smack of privilege, and only later when the campaign team tries to help a charity and a sick man find a kidney donor do those misapprehensions lessen.
Citizen Weiner will likely appeal to those who go in knowing what they have come for. If you are looking for a proper insight into the electoral process, or how these elections work, then this is probably not for you. However, if you prefer your politics served with a side of Borat and TikTok, then Citizen Weiner is right up your alley. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this movie 3 out of 5 stars.
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