Deep Dive: Weiner (2016)
Film Lens

Weiner is a political documentary that chronicles Anthony Weiner's campaign for Mayor of New York City in 2013, following his resignation from Congress in 2011 due to a scandal involving explicit photos. The film captures intimate moments with Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin, as they navigate the fallout from his past actions while attempting to revive his political career. Initially, Weiner's campaign gains traction, with polls showing him at the top of the race, but the mood shifts dramatically when new allegations and explicit content surface during the campaign.
The documentary provides a fly-on-the-wall perspective, revealing the personal and professional turmoil faced by Weiner, Abedin, and his campaign staff as they deal with the media frenzy and public scrutiny. Weiner's campaign ultimately falters, resulting in a fifth-place finish with only 4.9% of the popular vote. The film also features various public figures and archival footage, adding context to the political landscape during this tumultuous period.
Why Watch
- •Follow Anthony Weiner's dramatic political comeback attempt.
- •See the impact of scandal on personal relationships.
- •Meet key figures like Huma Abedin and Sydney Leathers.
Did You Know
•Anthony Weiner finished fifth in the polls with 4.9% of the vote.
•The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2016.
•Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, was a close aide to Hillary Clinton.
•The documentary earned a worldwide box office total of $1,751,120.
Perfect For
Political documentariesScandal and mediaNew York City politics