Silkwood

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.

Silkwood (1983) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Silkwood (1983) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the arid outskirts of Oklahoma, a sprawling nuclear processing facility hums with the relentless rhythm of industry. The plant’s concrete corridors and steel‑clad labs pulse with a quiet intensity, where the promise of energy is shadowed by the invisible threat of radiation. The atmosphere is one of disciplined routine pierced by the occasional uneasy murmur of workers who sense that something essential is being hidden beneath layers of protocol and paperwork.

At the heart of this world is Karen Silkwood, a diligent dry‑processing technician whose sharp mind and unwavering sense of responsibility set her apart. She is joined by Drew Stephens, a seasoned colleague whose camaraderie masks a simmering frustration, and Dolly Pelliker, a spirited friend whose optimism provides a counterpoint to the plant’s grim undercurrents. Together they navigate the demanding demands of their jobs while wrestling with the subtle pressures exerted by supervisors who downplay the risks of exposure.

When Karen begins to notice inconsistencies in safety reports and hears whispered concerns about contamination, her curiosity turns into a determined quest for truth. The film balances a gritty, realistic portrayal of a workplace fraught with hidden hazards with a suspense‑laden mood that emphasizes the personal stakes of whistleblowing. As she gathers evidence and confronts the uneasy balance between corporate interests and worker safety, the story builds a tense, immersive narrative that asks how far one will go to protect fellow laborers when the very system meant to safeguard them seems intent on silence.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:09

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Silkwood Summary

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Silkwood Summary

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Silkwood Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Silkwood

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Silkwood

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