Silkwood

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Silkwood

R

Released Dec 14, 1983

2h 11m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

This drama is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), who works at a nuclear facility, along with her boyfriend, Drew Stephens (Kurt Russell), and their roommate, Dolly Pelliker (Cher). When Karen becomes concerned about safety practices at the plant, she begins raising awareness of violations that could put workers at risk. Intent on continuing her investigation, Karen discovers a suspicious development: She has been exposed to high levels of radiation.

Critics Consensus

Silkwood seethes with real-life rage -- but backs it up with compelling characters and trenchant observations.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

Extraordinary portrayals of everyday people characterize the contribution of director Mike Nichols' talented diverse cast. Once again, Nichols justifies his past plaudits for bringing the best out of his players.

Nov 23, 2014

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

The facts it can lay its hands on do not support a politically alarming or dramatically compelling conclusion to the mysteries of this case. Nor do they lead to a very uplifting statement about the motives and character of its central figure.

Jul 1, 2011

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Variety Staff

Variety

A very fine biographical drama.

Jul 6, 2010

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

It’s the performances that will stay with viewers for far longer than the shocking conclusion, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding Silkwood's irresolute ending.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 25, 2024

Full Review

Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

The back half leaves offscreen decisions whose depiction would deepen Silkwood's complicated humanity. But Streep never leans on archetypes & Mike Nichols’ thoughtful blocking visualizes the line Silkwood wishes to walk … and keeps her just off its course

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 22, 2024

Full Review

Bill Cosford

Miami Herald

One of the best-performed films of 1983, with the result that even those times when Silkwood seems to be repeating itself are likely as not to be illuminated by fine acting.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 13, 2023

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Blu B

A Blue Collar Drama Classic. Everything is really well done here, but the acting is outstanding and the highlightt. Streep gives an Oscar worthy performance for such a likeable, attractive, flawed, determined, and couragous person. The film nails the asetics, world building, and demeanor of blue collar working class with all star treatment. Ward, Cher, Nelson, all are excellent and Russell is really good to and has great chemistry with Streep. The settings are all memorable too thanks to the strong direction. This film also just makes you angry as well for the misgivings and struggles of blue vs white collar. The one thing that holds this back for me is the drama of Karen's life and the union/espionage story of her vs the company can feel like two seperate movies at times. There both great but the story of her versus the company is the more interesting of the two. One generate riveting drama while the other generates paranoia/tension. However, it felt like the paranoia factor could never get going consistently because the drama kind of slows things down and it has to ramp things up again. I'm not sure how you'd fix that but it still works really well overall. Anyone who is a fan of the director, any actors in this, dramas, or even thrillers may like this.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/25

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Shannon Michael F

This movie is a wonderful but sometimes hard to watch. Cher and Streep are amazing. The reason it's hard to watch is because it's true. KAREN SILKWOOD is a hero of mine. GOD BLESS HER. I am thankful as a kid I watched this and wish I could stream it to others. More people need to see this piece of cinematic gold.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

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Bronwyn D

Was a little too long with scenes that didn't seem necessary, but overall a good true story. Made me want to investigate Karen Silkwood's story more. Sad.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

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Jelisije J

One of the best biopic that handles the true story of the life and death of a whistle blower that threatened to reveal how a nuclear company was risking lives over making profit.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/19/24

Full Review

John D

Slow, very slow. Boring.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/19/24

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Colin M

Workers contend with the risk of plutonium contamination at their place of work.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/24

Full Review

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Mike Nichols

Director

Meryl Streep

Karen Silkwood

Kurt Russell

Drew Stephens

Cher

Dolly Pelliker

Craig T. Nelson

Winston

Diana Scarwid

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Synopsis

This drama is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), who works at a nuclear facility, along with her boyfriend, Drew Stephens (Kurt Russell), and their roommate, Dolly Pelliker (Cher). When Karen becomes concerned about safety practices at the plant, she begins raising awareness of violations that could put workers at risk. Intent on continuing her investigation, Karen discovers a suspicious development: She has been exposed to high levels of radiation.

Director: Mike Nichols
Producer: Mike Nichols, Michael Hausman
Screenwriter: Nora Ephron, Alice Arlen
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: ABC Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 1983, Original
Release Date (DVD): Oct 7, 2003
Runtime: 2h 11m