George Orwell remains one of the most visionary and unsettling authors of the 20th century, his novels “1984” and “Animal Farm” offering prophetic visions of surveillance, doublespeak, and authoritarian futures that feel all too recognizable today. In “Orwell 2+2=5,” acclaimed filmmaker Raoul Peck (“I Am Not Your Negro”) collaborates with the Orwell estate to craft a portrait that blends historical material, Orwell’s own words, and contemporary resonance into something urgent and alive.
Coming October 3 via Neon, the documentary reframes Orwell not simply as a literary giant, but as a thinker whose warnings about language and power remain piercingly relevant. Narration comes through the voice of Damian Lewis (“Homeland,” “Billions”), bringing Orwell’s diary entries and reflections into sharp focus.
The production team includes Peck as director and producer, along with producers Alex Gibney, George Chignell, and Nick Schumaker. An extensive roster of executive producers backs the film: Zhang Xin, William Horberg, Joey Mara, Maiken Baird, Jessica Grimshaw, David Levine, Courtney Sexton, Richard Perello, Erin Edeiken, Tom Quinn, Dan O’Meara, and Johnny Fewings. The documentary is edited by Alexandra Strauss with music by Alexeï Aïgui.
Peck doesn’t just present Orwell as a man of the past — he frames him as a vital voice for the present, one whose ideas may hold keys to understanding the future.
“Orwell 2+2=5” opens in select theaters on October 3. Watch the first trailer below.
