Concussion

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2:08

Concussion

PG-13

2015

2h 1m

Drama

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

58%

Tomatometer

204 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Omalu names the disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy and publishes his findings in a medical journal. As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise public awareness about the dangers of football-related head trauma.

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Critics Consensus

Concussion lands a solid, well-acted hit on its impressively timely subject matter, even if its traditional sports drama structure is a little too safe to deserve a full-on dance in the end zone.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

09/01/2017

C+

It's not particularly dramatic or even fascinating to watch.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

08/16/2016

2.5/4

The film is never less than watchable, and thanks to the collective efforts of Smith, Morse, Baldwin and Brooks it's oftentimes more than that.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

04/27/2016

A crusading whistleblower movie, not too far from (though slightly inferior to) 'The Insider,' both an actor's showcase and a vehicle for creating restrained goosebumps.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

07/18/2025

3/5

While still alarming to an engaging and thought-provoking degree, the film counts as a missed opportunity.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

02/13/2022

Will Smith delivers an Oscar-worthy performance and while Concussion isn't a bad film, the filmmakers should have trusted their gut instincts.

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Hosea Rupprecht

Pauline Media Studies

09/13/2021

Will Smith shows his ability to capture an audience with his powerful portrayal of an ordinary man following his conscience.

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Ben N

@Bneffer Sep 29

Great look at a topic that needs more attention. Excellent acting, and I'd say I'm not shocked this movie has been pushed aside. Players should know the risks. We've all seen the results over the last few years. Changes have been made and the hits still accumulate. 1/4 of all players will develop early brain issues? That's not a profession most would want to get into... yet millions would love to! Education about the truth needs to be acceptable to the league. These are people not assets; parents and kids need to know the risks.

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Frans B

@FransB 07/07/2025

Highly underrated imo. Gritty and hard hitting. Very capable cast all excels in character, Will Smith in particular. Very well written story and great cinematography. Very entertaining

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Yash B

@yashbansal 05/10/2025

"Concussion" is a film that is largely carried by Will Smith's committed performance. I liked the story and think it is an important topic that people should be aware of. I actually think from a psychology perspective, it could have been explored even more in depth, but what is presented in the movie is still engaging to watch. It is a movie that often feels very somber and serious, but I still think I was entertained, as I wanted to see where it would go next. Overall, it is not the all-time best biopic by any means, but it is elevated to a good one largely because of Will Smith's strong efforts in the lead role.

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John W

@RT25357965 04/27/2025

This movie I hope will make some of the young people who are playing football think twice about using the helmet and neck brace to tackle. The movie also shows that people are nothing but tools for the rich to amuse themselves.

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Colby R

@RT97293259 02/10/2025

It takes up three entire class periods so we don't have to do any work. Highly recommend to all teachers. MUST WATCH

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Kevin A

@RT72928352 08/11/2024

Excellent movie, that brings to light an issue involving most contact sports that at for so long was either brushed aside or minimized, however in the case of this film it was clearly a suppression of information attempt by the NFL

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Peter Landesman

Director

Will Smith

Dr. Bennet Omalu

Alec Baldwin

Dr. Julian Bailes

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Prema Mutiso

Arliss Howard

Dr. Joseph Maroon

Paul Reiser

Dr. Elliot Pellman

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Synopsis

While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Omalu names the disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy and publishes his findings in a medical journal. As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise public awareness about the dangers of football-related head trauma.

Director: Peter Landesman
Producer: Ridley Scott, Giannina Facio, David Wolthoff, Larry Shuman, Elizabeth Cantillon
Screenwriter: Peter Landesman
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: The Cantillon Company, Scott Free Productions, Cara Films, Shuman Co.
Rating: PG-13 (Some Disturbing Images|Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 17, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $33.8M
Runtime: 2h 1m

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