'Justice': Doug Liman Makes His Documentary Debut At Sundance 2023 With A Film About The 2018 Investigation Of Brett Kavanaugh

Director Doug Liman brings to mind his 1996 breakout “Swingers,” or his 2010s Tom Cruise vehicles like 2014 “The Edge Of Tomorrow.” Or maybe his upcoming “Road House” remake with Jake Gyllenhaal for Prime Video. So, consider this news from the Sundance Film Festival a serious curveball. The Hollywood Reporter says Liman has a new film set to debut at the festival, and it’s his documentary debut. The movie’s subject? Well, “Justice” covers the 2018 investigation into now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

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Sundance head programmed Kim Yutani has high hopes for Liman’s new doc at the festival. “We always have something up our sleeve,” Yutani said during the film’s reveal, promising “Justice” will incite plenty of conversation. For his part, Liman explained his reasons for doing the project. “It shouldn’t be this hard to have an open and honest conversation about whether or not a Justice on the Supreme Court assaulted numerous women as a young man,” Liman said in a press statement. “Thanks to this fantastic investigative team and the brave souls who trusted us with their stories, “Justice” picks up where the FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh fell woefully short.”

For those who don’t remember, in 2018 then-President Donald Trump nominated Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. However, shortly after Kavanaugh’s nomination, Christine Blasey Ford, a former high school classmate of Kavanaugh’s, accused him of attempted rape at 1982 party. Other accusers quickly came forward, prompting the FBI to investigate the claims. After a brief inquiry, the FBI determined the accusations had no corroborating evidence. As a result, Kavanaugh remains a Supreme Court Justice today.

“The film examines our judicial process and the institutions behind it, highlighting bureaucratic missteps and political power grabs that continue to have an outsized impact on our nation today,” Liman continued. “Sundance gave me and countless other independent filmmakers our big breaks, so it’s especially meaningful for me to return with my first documentary.”  Amy Herdy produces Liman’s new doc, while Story Syndicate’s Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan co-executive produce.

“Justice” has its world premiere at Sundance in Park City today, so expect critical feedback on Liman’s documentary debut very soon.