Overview
- An internal Missile Defense Agency memo dated Oct. 16 says U.S. interceptors have shown a 100% testing accuracy for more than a decade and characterizes the film’s failed intercepts as dramatic license.
- Director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Noah Oppenheim say they stand by the film’s realism, citing extensive research and on‑set advisers with prior Pentagon, STRATCOM and White House Situation Room experience.
- Analysts publicly dispute the 100% figure, noting far lower historical success in controlled tests, while physicist Laura Grego argues the movie’s scenario is simpler than the challenges a real attack would present.
- Sen. Edward J. Markey calls the film a wake‑up call, contends long‑range missile defense cannot be relied upon and urges renewed arms‑control efforts over expansive proposals such as the so‑called Golden Dome.
- The Netflix release has drawn large audiences—reported at more than 20 million accounts in three days—keeping attention on the system’s cost estimates near $50–53 billion, roughly 44 deployed interceptors and ongoing modernization plans.