Silkwood

Year: 1983

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Nichols

BiographyDramaThriller

A nuclear facility worker, Karen Silkwood, investigates safety concerns and potential corporate cover-ups at her workplace. Her investigation uncovers alarming instances of radiation exposure, and she finds herself in a desperate race against time to reveal the truth. As she pursues justice, her courageous actions put her own life in increasing danger, leading to a tense and suspenseful confrontation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Silkwood yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Silkwood (1983)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Silkwood (1983). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Cimarron City, Oklahoma, Washington, D.C.

Cimarron City, Oklahoma, is known for its proximity to the Kerr-McGee Cimarron nuclear facility, where significant events of the film unfold. This facility was instrumental in the production of nuclear fuel, making it a focal point for worker safety concerns and radiation exposure. Washington, D.C. serves as a contrasting backdrop, representing the arena for activism and the national dialogue on worker rights and safety regulations.

🏭 Nuclear Facility 🌆 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Main Characters – Silkwood (1983)

Meet the key characters of Silkwood (1983), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Major Themes – Silkwood (1983)

Explore the central themes of Silkwood (1983), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

True whistleblower chronicles like Silkwood

Documentary-style films about ordinary people risking everything for the truth.Movies like Silkwood that dramatize real whistleblower stories. If you were gripped by Karen Silkwood's investigation into corporate negligence, you'll find similar tense and emotionally heavy dramas about individuals fighting systemic corruption.

urgentanxioussolemngrippingparanoiddocumentary-stylebased on a true story

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a clear, often linear arc: an ordinary individual discovers a profound injustice or cover-up within a powerful institution. Their journey involves gathering evidence, facing increasing isolation and danger, and culminating in a public or personal crisis that highlights the immense sacrifice involved in seeking truth.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together due to their shared basis in true events, their focus on the procedural details of an investigation, and their heavy emotional weight stemming from themes of institutional betrayal and personal sacrifice. They create a specific, tense, and urgent viewing experience.

Paranoid workplace thrillers like Silkwood

Thrillers where the real threat is the company you keep.If you liked the claustrophobic tension and corporate cover-up in Silkwood, explore these similar movies. These films capture the feeling of being trapped within a dangerous system, where fighting for safety or justice makes you a target.

claustrophobicparanoidtenseanxiousinstitutional dreadworkplace thrillercorporate conspiracy

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often an employee, who uncovers a deeply rooted problem within their organization. As they investigate, they experience gaslighting, surveillance, and threats from the very structure they are a part of. The conflict is less about a single villain and more about battling an entire corrupt system, leading to a feeling of paranoia and inescapable danger.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific vibe of claustrophobic paranoia generated by a toxic institutional environment. They are united by a tense tone, a steady pacing that builds unease, and the central theme of an individual versus a powerful, unfeeling organization.

Unlock the Full Story of Silkwood

Don't stop at just watching — explore Silkwood 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 Silkwood is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Silkwood Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Silkwood, 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.

Silkwood Timeline

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

Silkwood Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Silkwood 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.

More About Silkwood

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

Similar Movies to Silkwood

Discover movies like Silkwood that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.