Name: Downfall: The Case Against Boeing
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2022-02-09T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: John Fantasia, Peter DeFazio, Elaine Chao

The opening shot of Rory Kennedy’s “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” is a stark, silent image of the Boeing logo—a symbol of American ingenuity now tarnished by tragedy. This documentary doesn’t just investigate two catastrophic crashes; it dissects a corporate culture gone awry.

Kennedy’s film is a meticulous examination of how Boeing’s prioritization of profit over safety led to the crashes of two 737 MAX planes within months of each other. The documentary interviews key figures and uses archival footage to reveal a company transformed by Wall Street pressures, where financial gain trumped engineering excellence. Kennedy herself notes that Boeing once thrived on “excellence and safety,” but under new leadership, these virtues were sidelined.

The film’s strength lies in its narrative clarity and emotional impact. Kennedy and her editor weave a compelling story from interviews with investigators, family members of the victims, and former Boeing employees. The documentary’s most powerful moments come when it juxtaposes corporate statements about safety with internal communications that reveal cost-cutting measures and ignored warnings.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. At times, the pacing drags as it delves into the minutiae of engineering details and regulatory processes. While these elements are crucial for understanding the crashes, they can feel overwhelming to viewers unfamiliar with the technical aspects of aviation. Additionally, the film’s one-sided approach—with Boeing declining to participate—limits its perspective.

Despite these issues, “Downfall” is a chilling indictment of corporate negligence. It forces viewers to confront the human cost of prioritizing profits over people.