Boeing whistleblower retaliation examined in new documentary

The documentary “Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing,” directed by Rory Kennedy, has been released on Netflix. Serving as a follow-up to the 2022 film “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing,” the new investigation examines allegations of systemic corporate malfeasance and retaliation against whistleblowers within the Boeing Corporation.

A central figure in the film is John Barnett, a long-time Boeing employee who raised concerns regarding safety negligence and shoddy workmanship at the 787 Dreamliner factory in Charleston, South Carolina. The documentary explores the circumstances surrounding Barnett’s death in 2024 and details claims that Boeing prioritized profit and production speed over passenger safety.

The film includes testimony from various employees who allege a culture of intimidation and deliberate cost-cutting. It specifically highlights issues such as flawed oxygen masks, which were linked to safety incidents involving the Boeing 737 Max.