The Hollow Men

The inside story of a National Party election campaign

The Hollow Men is a documentary that exposes the machinations of New Zealand politics through thousands of confidential emails, reports, and memos. Director Alister Barry constructs a damning portrait of Don Brash's leadership of the National Party, revealing backroom dealings and anti-democratic tactics orchestrated by Brash and his inner circle. Based on investigative journalist Nicky Hager's controversial book of the same name, the film chronicles the political turmoil that culminated in Brash's resignation in November 2006. Barry's meticulous investigation transforms private correspondence into a gripping political thriller that challenges viewers' assumptions about power, principle, and accountability. The documentary stands as a stark reminder of how far political operators will go to maintain control, offering an unflinching look at the cost of ambition without ethics.