Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing review on Netflix – a necessary sequel
This documentary is a necessary, albeit familiar, follow-up for those who want to understand the ongoing fallout from Boeing’s safety failures. Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing is currently available to stream on Netflix and features a single, impactful episode.
A Necessary, If Repetitive, Sequel
Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing is a worthy, if somewhat repetitive, sequel to Rory Kennedy’s 2022 film Downfall: The Case Against Boeing.
The earlier documentary meticulously detailed how the aerospace company allegedly prioritized profits over safety, leading to two devastating crashes of its 737 passenger jets. This new film revisits those events, underscoring that Boeing has yet to fully acknowledge its culpability or implement substantial changes.
Despite the overlap in content, the repetition serves a purpose. It emphasizes Boeing’s continued refusal to admit fault for its past failures.
The film also highlights a significant 2023 incident where a “door plug” detached mid-flight, a safety issue that former employee John Barnett had specifically flagged years earlier. This persistence of problems makes Freefall a vital examination for anyone concerned about aviation safety and corporate accountability.
The Tragic Case of John Barnett
Central to the narrative of Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing is the story of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality control manager. Barnett was a prominent voice in Kennedy’s earlier film, Downfall.
His death by suicide in 2024, occurring while he was in the midst of a deposition against his former employer, served as a catalyst for Kennedy to create this second documentary.
Barnett had voiced his deep concerns about safety at Boeing for years. He reportedly told his lawyers, “This shit could get somebody killed” after leaving the company after more than three decades of service.
His experiences, and the treatment he received for raising safety issues, are echoed by other former Boeing inspectors featured in the film, painting a grim picture of a company culture that stifled dissent and ignored critical warnings.
Boeing’s Persistent Malfeasance
Despite promises of reform following the tragic 737 MAX crashes, Boeing’s commitment to safety appears to have been insincere. The film argues that the company’s assertions of improvement were largely empty rhetoric.
Interviewees echo Barnett’s concerns, describing a pervasive environment where red flags were ignored by corporate leadership, who were more focused on financial performance than passenger safety.
This pattern of prioritizing profit over safety reportedly began in the mid-2000s. Under the leadership of then-new CEO Jim McNerney, Boeing allegedly sought to reduce the budget for manufacturing the 787 Dreamliner.
This cost-cutting measure reportedly involved extensive outsourcing, with components built in various countries before being assembled in the United States. This approach, the documentary suggests, led to compromised manufacturing standards and the use of substandard parts.
The Culture of Corruption
The documentary contends that Boeing’s problems extend beyond individual aircraft models and point to a systemic issue within American corporate culture.
It highlights how Boeing’s legal teams often transition into roles within the U.S. Department of Justice and vice versa, potentially influencing regulatory penalties to be lenient. This alleged revolving door suggests a cozy relationship that benefits corporations at the expense of public safety.
The film argues that many American CEOs amass significant personal wealth, earning accolades from shareholders while facing public criticism for their company’s actions.
Boeing’s culture of denial when confronted with legitimate criticism exemplifies an amoral approach that is increasingly common among large conglomerates. These entities, the film suggests, have become too powerful to be effectively punished or regulated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing a sequel?
Yes, Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing is a follow-up to Rory Kennedy’s 2022 documentary, Downfall: The Case Against Boeing. It revisits the safety failures of the aerospace company and expands on the story, particularly in light of new developments.
What is the connection between John Barnett and the film?
John Barnett was a former Boeing quality control manager and a key figure in the first documentary. His death by suicide in 2024, while he was involved in a deposition against Boeing, significantly influenced the making of Freefall.
Are there new revelations in Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing?
While the film revisits many of the points from its predecessor, it includes a significant 2023 incident where a plane’s “door plug” detached mid-flight, a safety issue previously flagged by John Barnett. It also explores the broader implications for American corporate culture.
What are the main criticisms leveled against Boeing in the film?
The film criticizes Boeing for allegedly prioritizing profit over safety, leading to crashes like those involving the 737 MAX. It also points to a culture of ignoring safety concerns, a lack of accountability for executives, and potential regulatory capture by the government.
This documentary is recommended for viewers interested in investigative journalism and those concerned with corporate accountability and aviation safety. It is a stark reminder of the consequences when profit consistently outweighs the imperative of public well-being.
