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Silkwood

Name: Silkwood
Genre: Drama
Released: 1983-12-14
Cast: Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, Cher, Craig T. Nelson, Fred Ward

1983 | 131 min | Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It collected a shelf of major awards, it earned strong reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it was a solid box office hit. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 11 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.

Like most of the people in her town, Karen Silkwood works at the local nuclear plant producing highly radioactive plutonium. Exposed one day to a lethal dose of radiation, Karen faces the blank walls of corporate indifference and denial. As her illness increases, her protest grows louder and she becomes an obvious danger to the powers that be.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic
AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 5 Oscars, 4 more Golden Globes and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 1 other award.
Box office & staying powerStrong
$36 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 234K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Mike Nichols

Meryl StreepKaren Silkwood
Kurt RussellDrew Stephens
CherDolly Pelliker
Craig T. NelsonWinston
Fred WardMorgan
Diana ScarwidAngela
Ron SilverPaul Stone
Charles HallahanEarl Lapin
Josef SommerMax Richter
Sudie BondThelma Rice