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Timeline

Concussion (2015) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2015 · 123 min · English
JustWatch #3,114 10
Directed by
Peter Landesman
Starring
Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Paul Reiser, David Morse
Budget
$35M

This biographical drama follows Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist who makes a shocking discovery linking chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to American football players. His groundbreaking research challenges the powerful NFL and exposes a devastating truth about the long-term effects of the sport. As he fights to bring this information to light, Dr. Omalu faces opposition and finds himself in a battle against a powerful institution reluctant to acknowledge the problem.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Concussion
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Concussion (2015)

Where can you watch Concussion? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix, Netflix Standard and YouTube TV: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Concussion Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Concussion (2015) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Mike Webster's Glory Days

    The film opens with archival footage of football player Mike Webster dominating the field while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His skill and determination make him a celebrated athlete, yet this success starkly contrasts with his later life struggles.

    Where
    Pittsburgh
  2. Mike's Downfall

    Fast forward to September 2002, Mike Webster is revealed to be homeless and living in his car, suffering from severe dementia. This tragic transformation highlights the dark side of professional sports and its long-term effects on players' health.

    When
    September 2002
  3. Dr. Bennet Omalu's Testimony

    Nigerian pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, portrayed by Will Smith, testifies in court regarding a murder case involving a hemophiliac defendant. His analysis reveals critical details that showcase his expertise and dedication to uncovering the truth.

    Where
    Courtroom
  4. Bennet's Unique Method

    At the Allegheny County Coroner's office, Bennet demonstrates his unusual habit of speaking to corpses in order to gain insight about their deaths. This practice signifies his deep commitment to understanding the causes of mortality, even if it sets him apart from his colleagues.

    Where
    Allegheny County Coroner's Office
  5. Mike's Visit to Dr. Bailes

    Mike Webster seeks help from Dr. Julian Bailes, increasingly struggling with worsening mental health issues. His desperation is palpable, as he reveals that he is using tasing as a method to stay awake, which foreshadows his tragic fate.

    Where
    Doctor's Office
  6. Webster's Death

    Mike Webster's death comes as a shock to the community, highlighting the severe consequences of untreated brain injuries. Upon examining his body, Bennet discovers the extreme lengths Webster went to in trying to hold onto his identity, including supergluing his own teeth.

    Where
    Hospital
  7. Research into CTE

    Dr. Omalu examines Webster's brain and uncovers evidence of severe trauma linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This groundbreaking discovery leads him to study football footage, connecting the violent nature of the sport with the severe mental decline of its players.

  8. Bennet and Prema's Romance

    Bennet develops a budding romance with Prema Mutiso, a young immigrant. Their relationship blossoms into marriage and the anticipation of their first child, highlighting Bennet's desire for a fulfilling life amidst professional challenges.

    Where
    Bennet's Home
  9. Tragic Fate of Fellow Players

    Football players Justin Strzelczyk and Terry Long both die under tragic circumstances, further emphasizing the theme of CTE. Bennet's findings regarding their deaths bring to light the larger issue at hand and the urgent need for awareness in the NFL.

  10. Facing Oppression

    As Bennet publicly exposes the dangers of football's concussion protocols, he faces immense pressure from the NFL and becomes a target for intimidation. This conflict escalates when corrupt FBI agents threaten his career and residency in the U.S.

    Where
    Bennet's Workplace
  11. Loss and Heartbreak

    Prema experiences a troubling episode while driving alone, leading to a hospital visit where they learn of their baby's unfortunate condition. This moment signifies the emotional turmoil that accompanies their challenges as a couple.

    Where
    Hospital
  12. New Beginnings in California

    Three years later, Bennet and Prema have relocated to Lodi, California, thriving with their daughter. Despite their struggles, they begin to rebuild their lives, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

    Where
    Lodi, California
  13. The Call for Justice

    Bennet receives news of Dave Duerson's suicide and his subsequent request for brain examination, reigniting his mission. This tragic event further amplifies the urgent need to uncover the truth about CTE in football players.

  14. Redemption and Recognition

    Bennet passionately speaks about his research, stressing the importance of addressing CTE. His work gains traction nationwide, leading to comparisons with tobacco companies in their denial of health risks, ultimately transforming public perception.

  15. Final Text and Impact

    The film concludes with important notes on Bennet's decision to remain in California while multiple NFL players pursue justice against the NFL. Despite the NFL's attempts to conceal the truth, Bennet's efforts catalyze significant changes and raise awareness about the risks of playing football.

    When
    February 2015

Last updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:01

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Timeline questions answered

Concussion Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Concussion (2015): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did former NFL star Mike Webster end up homeless?

Mike Webster became homeless due to severe dementia caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). After his NFL career ended, he developed memory loss, mood swings, and cognitive decline that left him unable to maintain a job or stable housing. By September 2002, he was living in his car, eventually dying from complications of his condition.

Foreshadowing: The film opens with Webster's glory days, establishing his successful career before revealing his tragic decline.

  • mike webster
  • homeless
  • nfl
  • dementia
  • cte
  • football
Q2

What is CTE and how did Dr. Omalu discover it?

CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. Dr. Bennet Omalu discovered it while performing an autopsy on Mike Webster, finding abnormal protein buildup in Webster's brain tissue. This was the first time CTE was formally identified in an American football player, linking the sport to long-term brain damage.

  • cte
  • chronic traumatic encephalopathy
  • discovery
  • brain
  • research
  • football
Q3

Why did the NFL oppose Dr. Omalu's CTE research?

The NFL opposed Omalu's research because acknowledging CTE as a football-related condition would threaten the league's profitability and public image. NFL officials, including commissioner Roger Goodell, dismissed Omalu's findings and attempted to discredit him. The league initially compared his warnings to claims that tobacco causes cancer, denying any link between football and brain damage.

  • nfl
  • opposition
  • roger goodell
  • corporate
  • cover-up
  • denial
Q4

Why did Dr. Omalu want to examine Mike Webster's brain?

Dr. Omalu wanted to understand why a seemingly healthy former athlete developed severe dementia at such a young age. As a neuropathologist, he believed the brain held answers that standard autopsies missed. His examination revealed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition previously only seen in boxers.

  • autopsy
  • brain examination
  • discovery
  • medical research
  • webster
Q5

What happened to the other football players mentioned in the film?

After Mike Webster's death, several other former NFL players died tragic deaths linked to CTE. Justin Strzelczyk died in a car crash while experiencing mental distress. Terry Long died from drinking toxic amounts of antifreeze. Dave Duerson famously shot himself in the chest in 2011, leaving a note requesting his brain be studied for CTE. Their deaths further validated Omalu's research.

Foreshadowing: The film shows Bennet studying footage of football impacts, connecting repeated head trauma to player deaths.

  • justin strzelczyk
  • terry long
  • dave duerson
  • suicide
  • deaths
  • nfl players
Q6

Why were Dr. Omalu and Dr. Wecht targeted by investigators?

Corrupt FBI agents targeted Omalu and his boss Dr. Cyril Wecht as part of an effort to silence their CTE research. The agents attempted to derail their careers and threatened Omalu's U.S. residency status. This intimidation was tied to NFL interests trying to suppress the truth about football-related brain injuries.

  • fbi
  • threats
  • cyril wecht
  • investigation
  • intimidation
  • whistleblower
Q7

What happened during Prema's hospital visit in the film?

While Bennet was under intense professional pressure, Prema experienced a concerning episode while driving alone. She was taken to the hospital where they learned devastating news about their unborn child. This emotional blow added to the personal toll on Bennet during his fight against the NFL.

  • prema
  • baby
  • pregnancy
  • hospital
  • emotional
  • family
Q8

Why did Dr. Omalu turn down the job in Washington D.C.?

Dr. Omalu chose to remain in California with his family over accepting a prestigious position in Washington D.C. Despite achieving professional recognition, he prioritized staying close to his wife Prema and their children. This decision reflected his values of family over career advancement.

  • washington
  • california
  • family
  • job
  • decision
  • career
Q9

When did Dr. Bennet Omalu become a U.S. citizen?

Dr. Bennet Omalu officially became a U.S. citizen in February 2015. This milestone represented a personal victory after years of professional battles and scrutiny. The film concludes with this achievement alongside his continued advocacy for player safety.

  • citizenship
  • immigration
  • nigerian
  • 2015
  • personal victory
Q10

What was the outcome of the NFL concussion lawsuits?

The film reveals that the NFL faced numerous lawsuits from former players suffering from CTE and other football-related brain injuries. While Bennet achieved personal and professional vindication, the NFL's institutional denial persisted. The final statistics show 28% of football players may develop CTE, highlighting the ongoing crisis in American football.

  • lawsuits
  • nfl
  • settlement
  • cte
  • players
  • compensation

Movie threads

More Movies Like Concussion, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Concussion tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about ethical crusaders like in Concussion

The story of one person's lonely, principled fight against a powerful system. If you liked the story of Dr. Omalu's fight against the NFL in Concussion, explore more movies about truth-seekers challenging powerful systems. These films feature similar themes of corporate malfeasance, personal sacrifice, and the gripping tension of a lone voice confronting institutional power.

  • urgent
  • gritty
  • determined
  • unsettling
  • tense
  • somber
  • Tone: tense, determined, somber
  • Pacing: steady, procedural
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a linear, investigative structure. A protagonist makes a discovery, attempts to alert the responsible authorities, and is met with denial and resistance. The conflict escalates as they face intimidation, but their moral conviction drives them to continue, resulting in a battle that is more about principle than easy victory.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on a high-stakes, morally-driven conflict between an individual and a monolithic entity. They create a tense, urgent, and somber mood by exploring themes of justice, accountability, and the high personal cost of doing the right thing.

Movies with bittersweet endings like Concussion

Stories where a hard-won victory is shadowed by the unresolved problem. Find more films like Concussion that deliver a poignant, bittersweet conclusion. These movies offer a realistic emotional payoff where personal victories are tempered by the awareness of ongoing, larger societal problems, creating a heavy but thought-provoking viewing experience.

  • somber
  • melancholic
  • bittersweet
  • thoughtful
  • heavy
  • unsettling
  • Tone: somber, bittersweet, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The emotional journey in these films is one of heavy sacrifice leading to a qualified win. The protagonist's personal arc may reach a positive resolution (vindication, safety), but the narrative explicitly shows that the systemic problem they uncovered continues, preventing a purely happy ending and emphasizing the complexity of real-world change.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their unique emotional blend and narrative structure. They balance a sense of accomplishment with a lingering melancholy, creating a deeply resonant and realistic ending feel. The pacing is often steady, building towards a conclusion that acknowledges both progress and limitation.

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Movies Like Concussion

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Every angle

Concussion (2015) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Concussion in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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