Anthony Weiner Documentary, ‘Weiner,’ Wins Raves At Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival premiered one of its most-anticipated films yet – an insider’s eye into the puzzling whirlwind around former U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner’s failed 2013 bid to become mayor of New York City.

‘Weiner’ Shows Relationship Between Anthony Weiner & Huma Abedin

The film begins after Weiner’s first controversial round of provocative selfies, sexting messages and other communications with various women were made public in 2011. After his “exposure” to the media world, he resigned from Congress and publicity apologized, vowing to learn from his errors.

As Wiener gears up for the Mayor’s race in 2013, the scandal from two years prior seems to be behind him. The film follows his steps towards the Mayor’s house and highlights his efforts to prove he is a changed man. Even with the media still hounding him for the scandal, Weiner took command of any microphone he found demanding a second chance. In multiple scenes, crowds loudly boo other candidates who try to capitalize on Weiner’s tabloid past.

The film focuses on Weiner’s calm and supportive wife, Huma Abedin, whose name was also dragged into the scandal. Abedin is better known for working with Hillary Clinton. Abedin stays cool, calm and collected while her husband is argumentative and unpredictable.

As Weiner’s second scandal resurfaces, his political dreams are ultimately derailed. Even more photos and texts are brought to light after he told the media that he had learned his lesson the first time. As his political team tries to keep his dream of being mayor alive, Abedin remains quiet and supportive, but behind closed doors, she is a bit more vocal with her judgmental, awkward silences, and the occasional eye roll.

The question remains why Abedin stands by her husband who has yet again put her in this hotspot. The film never answers the question, but she does mention how it would look if she were to be photographed upset at him.

As Weiner is bombarded by a constant stream of jokes referencing his last name, he becomes infuriated but fails blame himself. He also never explains why he assumed the online identity of “Carlos Danger.” Instead, Weiner changes the subject when questioned about his actions or he casts the media is looking for a villain.

His refusal to back down might win some audiences over. He stays in the race he was once leading and ultimately finishes with less than 5% of the vote. When Lawrence O’Donnell asks Weiner, “What’s wrong with you?” during a live interview, Weiner barks back defending himself. After watching the interview back, Weiner is happy with his choice words, but Abedin shakes her head and walks off camera.

The film is set to premiere on Showtime in October.