Filmmaker Rory Kennedy has released "Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing," a documentary that revisits safety concerns and alleged malfeasance within the aerospace company. The film follows Kennedy's 2022 documentary "Downfall: The Case Against Boeing" and was prompted by the death of former Boeing quality control manager John Barnett.
Barnett, a key figure in the earlier film, died by suicide in March 2024 while undergoing a deposition against his former employer. He had worked at Boeing for over three decades, raising numerous safety concerns that he alleged were ignored or suppressed by management. Barnett's deposition testimony, which he reportedly shared with his lawyers, expressed fears that the company's practices "could get somebody killed."
"Freefall" highlights the experiences of several other Boeing safety inspectors who reportedly faced similar retaliation for reporting issues. According to the documentary, one inspector witnessed improper work and, upon reporting it with video evidence, was asked by management to delete the footage rather than address the worker's conduct.
The film traces some of Boeing's alleged decline in safety standards to the mid-2000s, under then-CEO Jim McNerney. It suggests that a focus on cost-cutting, particularly during the production of the 787 Dreamliner, led to the outsourcing of manufacturing to various countries. The documentary posits that components were produced with corner-cutting measures and assembled in a South Carolina plant, chosen for its lack of union presence. Inspectors reportedly noted that these outsourced sections did not fit together properly, and defective parts were allegedly reused in new aircraft.
The documentary also touches upon the aftermath of the two fatal 737 MAX crashes, which were detailed in Kennedy's previous film. It notes that the Federal Aviation Administration allowed Boeing to settle claims with victims' families out of court, resulting in fines for the company while executives reportedly faced no criminal negligence charges. Many executives departed Boeing with substantial personal wealth, while former safety experts, like Barnett, experienced significant distress over their inability to effect change within the company.
Barnett's death has galvanized other whistleblowers to speak out, according to the film. His situation is portrayed as that of a martyr whose ultimate sacrifice has inspired others to come forward. However, the documentary questions whether Boeing's practices have fundamentally changed.
"Freefall" also broadens its critique to comment on aspects of American corporate culture. It suggests a revolving door between Boeing's legal department and the U.S. Department of Justice, potentially influencing regulatory penalties. The film argues that the company's culture of denial and deflection in the face of criticism reflects a wider issue among large corporations that have become increasingly resistant to oversight and regulation.
The documentary concludes with lingering concerns about Boeing's commitment to safety, particularly in light of a 2023 incident where a "door plug" detached from an airliner mid-flight. This incident involved a safety issue that Barnett had reportedly flagged before his departure from the company. The film implies that further scrutiny of Boeing may be necessary.