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Silkwood

Play trailer Poster for Silkwood R Released Dec 14, 1983 2h 11m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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Silkwood

Silkwood

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Critics Consensus

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

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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Variety Staff Variety A very fine biographical drama. Jul 6, 2010 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Vrstar V It is dangerous to tell the truth or to complain, it could be at the cost your live. This story is not only based on the truth, it is the truth today. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/05/24 Full Review Hannah B A shocking true story with excellent performances all around. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Silkwood

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Movie Info

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
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