Vice

Vice

Year: 2018

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

Director: Adam McKay

Echo Score: 65

Budget: $60M

BiographyDramaHistoryComedy

During the 2000 presidential election, Texas Governor George W. Bush chooses Halliburton CEO Dick Cheney as his running mate, an unexpected decision that sets in motion a chain of events with profound consequences. Cheney, a man with a distinguished political history, sees a chance to gain significant power and influence. The film explores how his ambition shapes the Bush presidency and significantly alters the course of American policy and its impact on the world stage.

Vice (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Vice (2018) 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 a world where the corridors of power feel as narrow and unforgiving as a battlefield, the story is filtered through the steady voice of Kurt, a veteran whose experiences in distant wars give him a weary but keen perspective on the political arena. As the 2000 presidential election draws near, an unexpected decision ripples through the nation: a Texas governor selects a seasoned figure with a reputation for quiet calculation to stand beside him. The film sets up this pivotal partnership as a catalyst for a chain of choices that will shape the nation’s trajectory for years to come.

At the heart of the narrative is Dick Cheney, a man whose ambition is matched only by his devotion to the ideals he believes will secure America’s future. His relationship with his wife, Lynne, offers a glimpse into a partnership forged in both intellect and resolve, navigating the personal sacrifices demanded by public life. Opposite him, the charismatic yet inexperienced George W. Bush provides the contrast of a leader eager to define his own legacy while relying on an experienced hand. Their dynamic, framed by the ever‑watchful press and the hidden machinations of Washington, creates a tense, almost theatrical atmosphere where every policy decision feels like a move on a grand chessboard.

The film’s tone blends sober political drama with a subtle, reflective humor that underscores the absurdities of governance. Cinematic lighting casts long shadows over sleek hallways, hinting at the weight of unseen influences, while the narration remains intimate, reminding the audience that behind every headline is a human story of ambition, compromise, and the relentless pursuit of power. This stylized portrait invites viewers to contemplate how personal drive can intertwine with national destiny, leaving the outcome of their partnership as an open question that lingers long after the credits roll.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:09

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Dark Political Dramas About Power Like Vice

Gripping dramas that dissect the ruthless pursuit of power and its moral cost.If you were fascinated by the critical examination of power in Vice, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar gripping dramas about political ascent, moral ambiguity, and the heavy consequences of ambition, perfect for fans of cynical historical narratives.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a central figure's calculated rise within a powerful system, tracing the key decisions that grant them influence while eroding their ethical boundaries. The narrative structure often weaves together personal and political threads, building towards an ending that reflects the profound, often unsettling, impact of their actions.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared dark tone, high intensity, and complex exploration of ambition within systems of power. They create a similar viewing experience: intellectually stimulating, emotionally heavy, and critically reflective on leadership and its costs.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Vice

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