Silkwood

1983, Drama, 2h 11m

33 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

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

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Silkwood Photos

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Movie Info

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.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Mike Nichols
  • Producer:
    Mike Nichols, Michael Hausman
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    20th Century Fox

Cast & Crew

Meryl Streep
Karen Silkwood
Kurt Russell
Drew Stephens
Cher
Dolly Pelliker
Craig T. Nelson
Winston
Diana Scarwid
Angela
Fred Ward
Morgan
Ron Silver
Paul Stone
Charles Hallahan
Earl Lapin
Josef Sommer
Max Richter
Sudie Bond
Thelma Rice
Henderson Forsythe
Quincy Bissell
E. Katherine Kerr
Gilda Schultz
Bruce McGill
Mace Hurley
David Strathairn
Wesley
Richard Hamilton
Georgie
M. Emmet Walsh
Walt Yarborough
Graham Jarvis
Doctor at Union Meeting
James Rebhorn
Los Alamos Doctor
Ray Baker
Pete Dawson
Mike Nichols
Director
Mike Nichols
Producer
Michael Hausman
Producer
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Silkwood

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (25) | Rotten (8)
Full Review… Duane Byrge Hollywood Reporter Full Review… Richard Schickel TIME Magazine Full Review… Variety Staff Variety Full Review… John Gill Time Out Full Review… Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Full Review… Vincent Canby New York Times Full Review… Jas Keimig The Stranger (Seattle, WA) Full Review… Jennifer Merin AWFJ Women on Film Full Review… Diego Galán El Pais (Spain) Full Review… Linda Hirsch Sojourner Full Review… Matthew Lucas From the Front Row Full Review… Lorien Haynes Radio Times
View All Critic Reviews (33)

Audience Reviews for Silkwood

  • Feb 27, 2017
    Some fine performances, but let down by a dour pace and a saggy script.
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
  • Apr 13, 2015
    "Silkwood" may not be particularly suspenseful, but its portrayal of extraordinary bravery from an ordinary woman does leave an impression. Tons of young, budding stars fill out the cast although their full range of skills has yet to develop. That having been said, it's the best bit of acting I can recall seeing from Kurt Russell. Cher's complete lack of glamour or pretense struck me as unusually authentic. It's worth seeing if for no other reason than reminding yourself how little things seem to change over the years.
    Christian C Super Reviewer
  • Mar 20, 2014
    A rather ordinary film that is vaguely similar to the Erin Brockovich tale but not as compelling. Would work better as a doc.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Apr 30, 2011
    Silkwood felt kind of preachy and also hippie at the same time, but Meryl Streep is a pretty magnetic actress, and she pulls us through.
    Jennifer X Super Reviewer
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