Chappaquiddick

PG-13

Released Apr 6, 2018

1 hr. 41 min.

Mystery & Thriller

History

Drama

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List

80%

146 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

On July 18, 1969, Sen. Ted Kennedy drives his car off of a bridge on Massachusetts' Chappaquiddick Island. The accident results in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old campaign strategist who worked for Kennedy. The ongoing investigation into the mysterious and scandalous events forever alters his political legacy -- and ultimately changes the course of presidential history.

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Critics Consensus

Chappaquidick can't help leaving some of this true story's most intriguing questions unanswered, but it's bolstered by outstanding work from Jason Clarke in the central role.

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Gareth v

Well constructed movie that does a good job of telling the story of the mysterious death of Mary Jo Kopechne. The underrated Jason Clarke does a fine job in the lead role.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

Full Review

Stephanie W

I can honestly say this was worth watching but it didn't reveal what I had hoped; what ACTUALLY happened on that night between Ted and poor Mary Jo. There are a few flashbacks that suggest some things, but nothing definite and after all these years, we're still left to wonder. It did provide an insight I had never seen before and that was how bumbling and inept Ted Kennedy was. From not having a valid drivers' licence, not telling his "handlers" that he had run into a New York Times reporter that night, and without checking with a doctor, giving a false statement that he had a concussion and a doctor gave him sedatives (which if true would have killed him), and then comically wearing a neck brace to Mary Jo's funeral to elicit sympathy for himself against the advice of his "handlers" actually had me laughing despite the true tragedy. The performances were very well done and believable. It's worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

Full Review

isla s

This is quite a frustrating watch, due to the plot development, or in other words, what happened - given its based on (I believe) a true story. It's a (perhaps timely?) reminder of how authority figures incl politicians (not all but some) can have dubious priorities and be somewhat self-centred, it could be said. The central performances are decent and it felt a pretty good film in general - with some stylish lighting/elements present. It's pretty watchable but not memorable, in as much as it isn't the kind of story I'd care to think about too much, frankly. As political biopics go (plus moral/ethical related films I suppose), its a good watch and so from that perspective it's worth seeing, hence I'd recommend it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

a.l.jude p

The truth not said, but at least gives some hints what happened. As the history said, most of the true happenings were covered up and no one will never know the complete truth, But it is suspenseful as the story goes on.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Ken R

Engrossing re-telling of some of the unseemly events that led to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne and yet another Kennedy family whitewash, this time, of its youngest son Edward Kennedy. While he may have lost some credibility over this monstrous cover-up, it seems he still shamefully allowed money and political lust for power to triumph over justice. The producers, writers Allen/Logan, and director John Curran (The Painted Veil '06) don't shy away from too many facts (but maybe don't address all) and certainly have a penchant for shining more light on this sordid show of political skulduggery. Performances are very good with Bruce Dern in the physically limited role of J.P. Kennedy Sr. who says it all with his eyes and sharp movements. The backroom Democrat power brokers are included, among them, the suspect (then Secretary of State) Robert McNamara perfectly portrayed by Clancy Brown - along with Speech writer Ted Sorensen, all pulling strings to concoct as convincing an alibi, of bravery-from-cowardice, as was shamelessly sold to the American public. Ted's cousin Joe Gargan, unsuccessfully attempted to convince Kennedy to admit the truth but these manufactured lies, managed to get Ted many years in office - while it appears Mary Jo's parents were paid off for their silence. The production design, cinematography, and music score all produce an eerie atmosphere, underpinning the sleazy situations being presented (and hidden) in the sickening world of our most powerful players. There's an excellent line attributed to Joe Gargan, in response to Ted playing down his own shortcomings by drawing attention to other famous people's flawed personalities, citing; "Even Moses had a bad temper" with Joe responding; "Moses never left a dead girl under the Red Sea". This production has a measured pace and while it leaves some questions unattended, still tells an important tale.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/06/22

Full Review

lanfranco c

Despite the effort of Hollywood Ted Kennedy remains a poor man

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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John Curran

Director

Jason Clarke

Sen. Ted Kennedy

Kate Mara

Mary Jo Kopechne

Ed Helms

Joe Gargan

Bruce Dern

Joe Kennedy

Jim Gaffigan

Paul Markham

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Chappaquiddick: Final Trailer

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Chappaquiddick: Trailer 1

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

The movie offers a convincing demonstration of how political mechanisms conspire to protect the powerful from their own mistakes.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 19, 2021

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Some interesting moments here, but the film is one long pulled punch.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 17, 2021

Full Review

Wenlei Ma

News.com.au

A deftly executed examination of the man at the centre of the scandal and the psychological scars that come from being a Kennedy scion. In this, Clarke does a wonderful job at conveying the conflict brewing inside Ted.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 11, 2018

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

The true cleverness of “Chappaquiddick” is seen in how it moves with Kennedy’s evolving story in a way that by the end of the film we're still unclear on what’s the truth.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 19, 2022

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

This cinematic dramatization is measured in tone, and Ed Helms is particularly good.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 10, 2021

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Jason Adams

The Film Experience

Chappaquiddick asks questions, but they're not really the right ones right this minute

Jul 6, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

On July 18, 1969, Sen. Ted Kennedy drives his car off of a bridge on Massachusetts' Chappaquiddick Island. The accident results in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old campaign strategist who worked for Kennedy. The ongoing investigation into the mysterious and scandalous events forever alters his political legacy -- and ultimately changes the course of presidential history.

Director: John Curran
Executive Producer: Chris Fenton, Daniel Mintz, Douglas S. Jones, Tom Duterme, Stephen Schuler, Ben Rose, Taylor Allen, Andrew Logan
Screenwriter: Taylor Allen, Andrew Logan
Distributor: Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures
Production Co: Apex Entertainment, DMG Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Historical Smoking|Disturbing Images|Some Strong Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 6, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 3, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.4M
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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