Concussion

Concussion

Year: 2013

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Stacie Passon

Drama

Forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu’s examination of former NFL player Mike Webster reveals a disturbing discovery: evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Driven by his findings and the desire to understand Webster's tragic decline, Omalu attempts to alert the NFL and the public to the long-term consequences of football’s violent nature, facing resistance as he fights to expose the hidden dangers of the sport.

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Timeline & Setting – Concussion (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Concussion (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2002, 2015

The movie spans from September 2002, a time marked by public ignorance surrounding sports-related injuries and mental health, to 2015, when awareness about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) gains prominence. This period illustrates significant social and medical shifts, particularly regarding the treatment of athletes' health and the NFL's response to injury-related issues.

Location

Pittsburgh, Lodi, California

The film primarily takes place in Pittsburgh, known for its rich sports culture and the iconic Pittsburgh Steelers, a team central to the story. Lodi, California, serves as a more personal backdrop for Dr. Bennet Omalu and Prema Mutiso, representing their aspirations for a family and a quiet life despite the chaos surrounding their past.

🏙️ City 🌳 Suburb

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Main Characters – Concussion (2013)

Meet the key characters of Concussion (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith)

Dr. Bennet Omalu is a passionate forensic pathologist dedicated to uncovering the truths behind athletes' health issues. His character is defined by resilience and a relentless pursuit of justice, often facing opposition from powerful institutions. His compassion is evident in his relationships, particularly with Prema, highlighting his depth beyond professional ambition.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctor 📚 Researcher 💔 Advocate

Mike Webster (David Morse)

Mike Webster is a once-celebrated football player whose decline into homelessness and dementia serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of neglecting athletes' health. His tragic journey evokes empathy, illustrating the personal costs of a sport often glorified. His struggles become a catalyst for Bennet’s research into CTE.

🏈 Athlete 📉 Tragedy 💔 Struggle

Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw)

Prema Mutiso is a young immigrant whose relationship with Bennet adds emotional depth to the narrative. Her initial reluctance for financial assistance transforms into a loving bond that underscores themes of commitment and resilience. Prema's character embodies strength as she navigates personal tragedy and supports Bennet's challenging journey.

💑 Love 💪 Resilience 🌍 Immigrant

Dr. Julian Bailes (Alec Baldwin)

Dr. Julian Bailes is a key figure in the medical community who offers assistance to Bennet while embodying the ethical dilemmas faced in sports medicine. His character reflects the complexities of acknowledging inconvenient truths about athlete health and the pressure from the sports industry.

🩺 Doctor ⚖️ Ethics 🌪️ Dilemma

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Major Themes – Concussion (2013)

Explore the central themes of Concussion (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚽ Sports Health

The film addresses the theme of sports health, specifically focusing on the ramifications of concussions in football. It highlights the struggle for athletes to receive proper medical care and the consequences of neglect. The story advocates for the need to prioritize the mental well-being of players over the sport itself.

❤️ Love and Loss

Love and loss play a significant role in the characters’ journeys, particularly between Bennet and Prema. Their relationship showcases the strength of love in the face of adversity, while their devastating loss of an unborn child emphasizes the fragility of life. This theme underscores the resilience needed to navigate personal tragedy amidst external battles.

🔬 Scientific Discovery

The pursuit of scientific discovery is central to Bennet's character as he uncovers the truth about CTE. His journey illustrates the challenges scientists face when challenging established norms and fighting for recognition. This theme reflects the tension between passion for science and the bureaucratic opposition often encountered.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, cause-and-effect structure where a discovery prompts an investigation, leading to a confrontation with a powerful, denialist institution. The protagonist's journey is marked by perseverance, gathering evidence, facing personal and professional threats, and often achieving a partial victory that comes with significant personal cost.

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They share a grim, determined mood, a steady investigative pacing, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the high-stakes conflict between truth and power. The tone is consistently dark and solemn, focusing on the integrity of the quest rather than a tidy, happy resolution.

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Narrative Summary

The emotional journey culminates in a resolution that is neither fully happy nor entirely bleak. The protagonist is validated in their pursuit, often gaining personal or professional recognition, but the narrative closes on a note of sobering reality—the system remains largely unchanged, or the victory is shadowed by significant personal sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

They are united by a bittersweet ending feel and a heavy emotional weight. The tone is dark yet punctuated by moments of purpose, creating a specific emotional mix of perseverance, grief, and partial redemption that defines the viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Concussion

Don't stop at just watching — explore Concussion in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Concussion is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Concussion Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Concussion, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Concussion Summary

Concussion Timeline

Track the full timeline of Concussion with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Concussion Timeline

Concussion Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Concussion that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Concussion Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Concussion

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Concussion: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Concussion

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