Based on a true story, Richard Jewell follows the journey of a man whose life drastically changes due to an act of heroism.
In Georgia, 1986, we meet Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser), a supply clerk at a law firm who aspires to be in law enforcement. He finds an ally in Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell), the only attorney at the office who treats him with respect, sharing light-hearted moments like leaving Snickers on his desk and playing arcade games during breaks. However, after taking another job, Richard eventually bids farewell to Watson.
Fast forward to 1996, Richard's journey takes a downturn as he is dismissed from a police deputy role, leading him to work as a campus security officer at Piedmont College. Here, he often clashes with students, prompting the college president, Ray Cleere (Charles Green), to question his conduct. Defending his actions, Richard reminds Cleere of his desire to maintain a serious environment, but the president ultimately fires him.
Living with his mother, Bobi Jewell (Kathy Bates), Richard finds solace in a friend's encouragement, suggesting that with the 1996 Olympics on the horizon, more security jobs will become available. Soon after, Richard secures a security position at Centennial Olympic Park, where he becomes increasingly vigilant during the concerts. On the first night, he even enjoys a performance by Kenny Rogers with Bobi.
However, a tense turn of events unfolds as Richard discovers a suspicious backpack under a bench after witnessing some teens misbehaving. Simultaneously, an anonymous caller warns of an impending bombing. Acting urgently, Richard alerts the police, who initially doubt him but eventually investigate. When they uncover a bomb within the bag, it leads to a chaotic scene as people are evacuated just before the explosive goes off, tragically killing a woman. Richard’s quick actions save lives and position him as a national hero overnight.
As media attention surges, Richard grapples with this newfound fame, feeling undeserving of the accolades. His mother beams with pride, and Richard seeks legal advice from Watson for an influx of book deals. Meanwhile, Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm), an FBI agent assigned to the case, is frustrated by the explosive incident occurring on his watch.
Unexpectedly, the FBI starts considering Richard a suspect, drawing on his background and his desire for acknowledgment. In a series of misleading encounters—where Richard, unaware of the investigation, naively cooperates—reporters invade his home, prompting Watson to intervene and investigate further. As suspicion grows, even Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde), a crime reporter, begins to chase the sensational story of Richard's apparent connection to the bombing.
Caught in a web of speculation, Richard struggles as the FBI relentlessly pursues him, with searches and accusations weighing heavily on him and his mother. Despite offering kindness to the detectives, Richard remains burdened by their suspicions, leading to more turmoil in his life.
Eventually, during a deposition, Richard confronts his interrogators when pressed with accusations of being the bomber. Defiantly questioning their evidence and asserting that the real perpetrator is still at large, he shows remarkable resilience. After a grueling investigation lasting eighty-eight days, Tom delivers a letter to Richard, indicating the termination of the inquiry, though he maintains doubts about Richard's innocence.
In a poignant moment of relief, Richard openly weeps, eager to reunite with his mother. Six years later, we see him working as a deputy again, where he receives a visit from Watson, who shares the news of the real bomber's capture.
The story concludes with a touching postscript that reveals Richard's untimely death at age 44 from a heart attack, while Watson and Nadya move forward with their lives, and Bobi cherishes her time with their children. This emotional recounting illustrates the heavy burdens of heroism and the indelible impacts of public perception.
