Sully

Sully

Year: 2016

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Budget: $60M

BiographyDrama

After a remarkable emergency landing on the Hudson River, Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is hailed as a hero. However, an official inquiry into the incident begins, and Sully finds himself facing intense scrutiny regarding his decisions and actions during the flight. The investigation puts his reputation and career at risk as questions arise about what truly happened, and whether he could have avoided the Hudson River landing.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sully (2016)

Trace every key event in Sully (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Flight Departure

On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles depart from LaGuardia Airport aboard US Airways Flight 1549. Their destination is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and excitement fills the air as the flight embarks.

January 15, 2009 LaGuardia Airport
2

Bird Strike Incident

Just three minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of approximately 2,800 feet, the aircraft collides with a flock of birds. This unexpected obstacle causes severe damage to both engines, presenting an immediate and dire situation for Sully and Skiles.

Above New York City
3

Difficult Decision

Faced with the realization that returning to any nearby airport is unfeasible, Sully makes a critical decision. With limited options available and the situation deteriorating quickly, he resolves to ditch the plane in the Hudson River, showcasing his quick judgment under pressure.

Hudson River
4

Successful Water Landing

Sully executes a remarkable water landing on the Hudson River, leading to the successful evacuation of all passengers and crew members on board. Despite the gravity of the situation, every individual escapes with only mild injuries, marking a miraculous outcome.

Hudson River
5

Media Scrutiny

After the incident, Sully becomes a national hero but also faces intense media scrutiny. As he deals with the newfound fame, he struggles with the attention on his family, particularly his wife Lorraine, leading to feelings of trauma and helplessness.

New York City
6

Investigation Begins

While in New York City for the investigation, Sully realizes that data from the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System suggests the left engine was operational. This insight raises questions about the narrative surrounding the incident.

New York City
7

Clashing with Investigators

As the investigation intensifies, tensions rise between Sully, Skiles, and the investigative team. The findings indicate that the flight might have been able to land at LaGuardia or Teterboro, challenging Sully's decision and pushing him into a corner.

Investigation Meeting
8

The 208-Second Crisis

The crisis unfolds in just 208 seconds, capturing the essence of the flight's danger. Sully and Skiles's training and instincts come to the forefront as they navigate the emergency, highlighting their competence and professionalism in a life-threatening situation.

9

Simulations Revisited

Facing accusations of pilot error, Sully takes the initiative to have the flight simulations rerun. His efforts lead to demonstrations showing successful landings, which bolster his defense against the scrutiny and hint at the flaws in the initial investigations.

Simulation Center
10

First Call to Lorraine

Once aboard the ferry that rescues him and the passengers, Sully's first instinct is to call Lorraine. He urgently seeks confirmation that all 155 individuals on board survived the ordeal, expressing deep concern for their well-being.

Ferry on Hudson River
11

Teamwork Acknowledged

Throughout the investigations, Sully emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the bravery exhibited by his crew and rescue teams. He believes that their collective efforts and adherence to protocol played a crucial role in the successful outcome of the emergency landing.

12

Final Confirmation

In the conclusion of the investigation, it is confirmed that the left engine was indeed destroyed by the birds. This finding validates Sully's decisions made during the crisis, and he is finally able to vindicate himself against the allegations of pilot error.

Investigation Summary

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:30

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Movies about professional vindication like Sully

Experts under fire, fighting to prove their judgment was correct.If you liked Sully's tense drama about an expert defending his decisions, you'll appreciate these movies about professionals under fire. This list features similar stories where skilled individuals face intense investigations and fight to clear their names, blending high-stakes procedure with heavy emotional weight.

tenseanxiousmethodicalcatharticstressfultriumphant

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a skilled protagonist immediately after a high-pressure event. Their professional competence is called into question by an official investigation, creating a dual conflict: the external battle for vindication and the internal struggle with trauma or self-doubt. The story often builds through flashbacks and procedural details, culminating in a public or legal exoneration.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the intense pressure of defending one's professional integrity. They combine a tense, methodical tone with high emotional stakes, creating a cathartic experience centered on expertise and truth prevailing against institutional doubt.

Movies that use flashbacks to unravel a crisis like Sully

Stories piecing together a traumatic event through memory and inquiry.Fans of Sully's storytelling, which builds tension by juxtaposing the investigation with flight flashbacks, will enjoy these movies. This collection highlights films with a similar narrative style, using recollection under pressure to explore traumatic events and their heavy psychological aftermath.

non-lineartenseanxioustraumaticpsychologicalcatharticmethodical

Narrative Summary

The narrative unfolds across two timelines: a tense present-day aftermath (like an investigation or trial) and fragmented flashbacks to the core traumatic event. The pacing is variable, shifting between the slow-burn procedural elements and the high-intensity crisis sequences. The protagonist's internal state and memory are central, as the truth is pieced together for both the character and the audience.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific narrative technique and emotional impact. They share a variable pacing that builds anxiety, a heavy emotional weight focused on trauma, and a tense tone driven by the gap between memory and official account, leading to a cathartic resolution.

Unlock the Full Story of Sully

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

Sully Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sully, 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.

Sully Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sully

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Sully. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sully

Sully Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sully 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.

Sully Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sully

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sully: 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 Sully

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