Filmmaker Friedrich Moser’s captivating documentary How To Build a Truth Engine boldly examines the vulnerability of how we receive and distribute information, putting into question the authenticity and intention behind “non-biased” news. Society can thrive when it uses technology for good, connecting us to cultures, ideas, and world views that we wouldn’t have been privy to pre-internet. However, as Spider-Man would say, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and Moser’s film points out the damning repercussions of misinformation when falling into the hands of the wrong people. Executive Produced by George Clooney, How To Build a Truth Engine is a film that screams with urgency.

Landing somewhere between Herzog and Poitras in its execution, Moser crafts a visually rich documentary that, at times, feels more like a Black Mirror episode than our current reality. Interviews with key investigators from various fields of study–including technology, journalism, folklore, and neuroscience–shed light on how each subsection of society deals with the threat of disinformation. Much to my horror, but not to my surprise, the fallout teeters on the edge of catastrophe.

In the political system, lying and manipulation have become acceptable methods for pundits to push their agenda. Political figures have started turning into their own media sources, relying on their PR teams over established news outlets to deliver information. This prospect is worrisome for many reasons, as the intellectuals in the film point out, “If we lose the truth, the non-partisan information that keeps society functioning, we lose our civilization.” Perhaps the most obvious example of this action was the January 6th takeover of the Capitol by right-wing conspiracy theorists. False information, fueled directly by the deliberate, ill-intended words of Donald Trump, encouraged large groups to wreak havoc on our political infrastructure as well as our code of ethics. The repercussions were not only a global embarrassment; they, unfortunately, also turned deadly.

How can people believe so many different versions of our shared reality? This is the thesis statement the film begs us to ponder. With the rise and threat of cyber attacks, echo chambers, and “fake news”, How To Build a Truth Engine does offer a beacon of hope. A respite from the buildup of dread, the film documents the journalists, scientists, engineers, and other truth-seekers as they actively develop groundbreaking technology that helps to understand the human psyche. The thought is that by cracking the question of “why” we latch on and spread misinformation, we can use that insight to restore truth back to the valued forefront of a functioning society.

There is a line that one of the interviewees says that made a striking impact on me: “The best way to win a battle is not to fight it but rather create confusion in the camp of the enemy.” Today, it feels like we are falling prey to this confusion, and the only way we as a society are going to overcome this looming threat is by taking a big step back and objectively reassessing how we receive and digest information. Cyber warfare has the potential to turn our society back into the Stone Age, and if that were to happen, we would never be able to recover.

Running just over two hours long, How To Build a Truth Engine is big in scope, production, and thought. Its importance can’t be understated, making this a vital film to see as we consider and care for our collective future.

‘How To Build a Truth Engine’ is currently seeking distribution.