Reportedly based largely on a real female CIA analyst central to the hunt (identity classified), but likely a composite character incorporating experiences of others. Her singular focus and centrality are possibly dramatized for narrative.

Represents CIA officers involved in the controversial Enhanced Interrogation Techniques program at black sites. Based on real interrogators but likely a composite figure whose specific actions/dialogue are dramatized representations.

Represents senior CIA leadership on the ground in Pakistan during the manhunt. Likely based on or a composite of real station chiefs, name possibly changed.

Represents CIA personnel killed in the line of duty, strongly evoking Jennifer Matthews, the real station chief killed in the 2009 Camp Chapman bombing, but likely composited/dramatized.

Represents high-level CIA management overseeing the Bin Laden operation, likely a composite of several real figures.

Panetta was the real CIA Director who oversaw the final stages of the intelligence gathering and presented the case for the raid. James Gandolfini's portrayal reflects Panetta's known role.

The film accurately depicts the extensive, difficult, and lengthy intelligence operation undertaken by the CIA and other agencies to find Bin Laden following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The CIA did utilize methods widely considered torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation, etc.) on detainees during the early/mid-2000s. The film depicts these methods based on available accounts.

This is the film's most controversial aspect. While some intelligence may have derived from detainees subjected to EITs, the film's strong suggestion that torture was essential is heavily disputed by many investigators, senators, and intelligence officials.

Based on a real female analyst who was key, but the film likely centralizes and dramatizes her role for narrative focus, potentially downplaying contributions from a wider team.

Identifying and tracking Bin Laden's trusted courier was indeed the crucial intelligence breakthrough that eventually led investigators to the Abbottabad compound.

The film accurately portrays the meticulous and often frustrating nature of intelligence work, involving analyzing intercepts, satellite imagery, tracking movements, and cross-referencing data over years.

Intelligence analysts did identify the specific, high-security compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, as the probable hiding place of a high-value target, eventually assessed to be Bin Laden.

There was significant debate and uncertainty within the CIA and the White House about the strength of the evidence placing Bin Laden specifically within the compound before the raid was authorized.

The deadly suicide bombing at Camp Chapman in Khost, Afghanistan, which killed seven CIA personnel (including Jennifer Matthews), was a real and significant event impacting the agency.

The film accurately depicts the involvement of senior officials (CIA Director, National Security Council) presenting evidence and options to President Obama, who made the final call.

Generally considered a realistic portrayal based on available accounts. Sequence of events, insertion method, killing of Bin Laden, and extraction align with reports, though specific details remain classified or simplified.

One of the modified Black Hawk helicopters used in the raid experienced difficulties upon landing and crash-landed within the compound walls; it was later destroyed by the SEAL team.

Osama bin Laden was killed by Navy SEALs during the raid inside the Abbottabad compound.

The SEAL team collected a significant amount of computers, documents, and other intelligence materials from the compound during the raid.

While specific locations are secret, the film creates a plausible atmosphere for these clandestine facilities based on descriptions, portraying them as stark, intimidating environments designed for interrogation.

Represents the typical modern office and meeting room environment of a major intelligence agency headquarters.

Filmed primarily in Jordan and India, the locations effectively substitute for and represent the urban and rural environments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other relevant areas depicted (e.g., Kuwait).

The filmmakers constructed a detailed replica of Bin Laden's compound based on satellite imagery, models, and descriptions, providing an accurate setting for the raid sequence.

The film accurately spans the decade between the 9/11 attacks and the successful raid in May 2011.

Depicts period-appropriate intelligence gathering tools (signals intelligence, satellite imagery), communication methods, and military hardware (including the implied stealth helicopters).

Effectively conveys the high-pressure, secretive, dangerous, and morally complex atmosphere surrounding CIA counter-terrorism operations during this period.

The raid sequence realistically portrays a night operation using night vision visuals, close-quarters movement within the replicated compound, and the sounds/actions based on accounts.

Represents the appearance and security protocols associated with US diplomatic and intelligence facilities overseas.