With a powerful Jeremy Renner leading the way and a fascinating true story as its guide, Kill the Messenger will move many with its true life account of a conspiracy exposed and the man who was destroyed for doing so.

Kill the Messenger is the kind of topical, ballsy story that a young Oliver Stone would have gleefully tackled. While it doesn't reach the heights of Stone's Salvador or Michael Mann's The Insider, this Michael Cuesta directed biopic on late investigative reporter Gary Webb & his infamous exposure of the CIA's role in the trafficking of drugs to America, is a tense & emotionally potent story that is sure to strike a chord. Whether it will re-ignite much needed debate about the many misuses of power (both government & media) is another story.

Key to its success is Jeremy Renner's terrifically intense performance as Webb, who we first meet as an investigative journalist for the San Jose Mercury News and family man to supportive wife Sue (Rosemarie Dewitt) and their three children.

When Webb comes across compelling evidence that the CIA supported Nicaraguan Contra Rebel members in their smuggling of cocaine into America (consequently contributing to the nations crack epidemic), Webb publishes his findings to immediate infamy. Yet it wouldn't take long for a smear campaign to be waged against him, especially be other members of the media (hence the film’s title).

Kill the Messenger marks Renner's first producer credit, and it's clear that Webb's story is one that the two-time Oscar nominee is passionate about, with his portrayal of the controversial journalist filled with grit, emotion and weight.

This is especially felt during Webb's breakdown under the strain of a smear campaign launched (incredibly, shamelessly) by other journalists, something that is particularly painful to witness especially since it was later revealed that Webb's reporting was largely true.

With many not aware of Gary Webb’s story, many of the revelations in Kill the Messenger will shock and anger. It will also thrill, with Cuesta presenting Webb's investigation (which takes him from California, to Nicargua, to Washington DC) much like a tight and taught conspiracy thriller.

Just as shocking was the prolonged burning at the stake of this proud and principled journalist by his own peers. As such, Kill the Messenger asks which is the bigger scandal: The truth that Webb revealed through his reporting? Or the witch hunt that the top tiers of the nation’s press brought upon Webb’s head?

Cuesta and Renner do a great job in exploring both, creating an important film that while leaves you with a heavy heart, also reminds that the truth will always rise from the ashes.