Bombshell Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three ambitious women in a conservative news network discover that maybe their boss is kind of a creep, leading to a corporate showdown with more hairspray than actual bombshells.

🍿 Bombshell: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Megyn Kelly and the Trump Controversy

The film opens with Megyn Kelly navigating the complexities of her position at Fox News, particularly as she prepares to moderate a Republican presidential debate. Her decision to confront Donald Trump about his past misogynistic comments ignites a firestorm of controversy. Trump responds with personal attacks, stirring up his supporters and placing Kelly under intense media scrutiny. This conflict sets the stage for the events that follow.

Gretchen Carlson’s Lawsuit

Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News anchor, is demoted and ultimately fired. Frustrated by years of enduring sexist comments and feeling marginalized, she decides to take action. Carlson consults with lawyers and prepares to file a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, the head of Fox News, alleging sexual harassment. Her decision is a significant risk, as Ailes is a powerful figure with a vast network of allies.

Kayla Pospisil’s Experience

Kayla Pospisil, a young and ambitious Fox News employee, represents the aspiring talent within the network. Eager to climb the corporate ladder, she finds herself in a compromising situation with Roger Ailes. Ailes subjects Kayla to a humiliating and uncomfortable encounter, requesting she lift her skirt higher and higher, revealing the toxic environment that pervades the company culture.

The Women Unite

As Carlson’s lawsuit gains traction, other women at Fox News must decide whether to come forward and share their experiences. Megyn Kelly, haunted by her own past encounters with Ailes, grapples with the decision to speak out, fearing the potential repercussions for her career. Kayla, shaken by her experience, struggles with the moral implications of her silence. Eventually, these women and others find the courage to stand together.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron): A prominent Fox News anchor who grapples with her past experiences of harassment and the fallout from confronting Donald Trump.
• Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman): A former Fox News host who bravely sues Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, setting off a chain of events.
• Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie): A fictional ambitious young Fox News employee who experiences the toxic work environment firsthand and must decide whether to speak out.
• Roger Ailes (John Lithgow): The powerful and manipulative CEO of Fox News, accused of widespread sexual harassment.
• Jess Carr (Kate McKinnon): A closeted lesbian and Fox News employee who navigates the network’s conservative environment while supporting Kayla.
• Rupert Murdoch (Malcolm McDowell): The owner of Fox News who ultimately decides Roger Ailes’ fate after the allegations surface.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Roger Ailes: “People don’t stop watching when there’s a conflict. They stop watching when there isn’t one.” – Ailes explains his philosophy of news as entertainment and conflict-driven content.
• Kayla Pospisil: “I want to tell stories that matter.” – Expressing her initial ambition and idealistic view of journalism at Fox News.
• Gretchen Carlson: “I just want to tell the truth.” – Carlson expresses her motivation for fighting against Ailes and the toxic culture at Fox News.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,762,808
• Worldwide Gross: $61,404,394

💥 Bombshell Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by the transformations of the actors! Charlize Theron *became* Megyn Kelly, and John Lithgow was terrifying as Roger Ailes. The elevator scene with all three women was incredibly tense. It was empowering to see these women find their voices, even though it was a tough watch at times. I felt like I was witnessing a pivotal moment in media history.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Those interested in true stories and docudramas.”
  • “Viewers following the #MeToo movement.”
  • “Fans of Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie.”
  • “Individuals interested in media and political scandals.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual harassment”
  • “Sexually suggestive language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Bombshell delivers a timely message with powerful performances, particularly from Theron. While the narrative can feel somewhat disjointed, the film effectively portrays the toxic environment at Fox News and the courage it took for these women to speak out.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Charlize Theron’s transformation into Megyn Kelly is uncanny, and the film effectively captures the tension and fear within Fox News. While the script occasionally falters, the performances and relevant subject matter make Bombshell a compelling watch.
• The Guardian: “Bombshell tackles an important subject with a strong cast, but the film’s execution is uneven. It skims the surface of complex issues and lacks the depth needed to fully explore the impact of the events on the characters and the broader culture.

Audience Reactions

Charlize Theron’s spot-on portrayal of Megyn Kelly.: Many viewers praised the excellent acting and transformations of the main cast.

The movie does an excellent job highlighting issues of harassment and sexism.: Critics and audiences agree it’s a timely and important topic.

Overall Consensus: Bombshell is a powerful, if somewhat flawed, film that sheds light on the toxic culture at Fox News and the courage of the women who challenged it. The performances are widely praised, but some find the narrative disjointed.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Makeup and Hairstyling)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To minimize Margot Robbie’s discomfort during the skirt-lifting scene with John Lithgow, director Jay Roach used multiple cameras to capture all angles in a single take, avoiding repeated performances.”
• “Charlize Theron underwent significant makeup and prosthetics to resemble Megyn Kelly, a transformation so convincing that some viewers found it hard to distinguish between the actress and the real-life personality.”
• “The film includes a disclaimer stating that the story is inspired by actual events and that some characters and events have been added for dramatic effect, highlighting the blend of fact and fiction.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bombshell?

Bombshell is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. DVD and Blu-ray versions are also available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bombshell, you might like these similar films:

• Spotlight (2015): Both films explore the exposure of institutional misconduct and the courage of individuals who bring the truth to light.
• The Loudest Voice (2019): A direct comparison, as it covers the same events surrounding Roger Ailes and Fox News, offering a different perspective in a miniseries format.
• She Said (2022): Focuses on the New York Times investigation into Harvey Weinstein, a similar story of women confronting a powerful abuser and sparking the #MeToo movement.
• All the President’s Men (1976): A classic film about journalists uncovering a major scandal, emphasizing the importance of investigative reporting and holding powerful figures accountable.

🛒 Bombshell Related Products

• Bombshell [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of cinematic history with the Blu-ray edition, featuring behind-the-scenes content, cast interviews, and deleted scenes. The perfect addition to any movie buff’s collection.
• Megyn Kelly’s ‘Settle For More’: Read Megyn Kelly’s autobiography to get a first-hand account of her experiences in the media world. This digital download provides an intimate look at her life and career, offering context to the events depicted in ‘Bombshell’.
• “Bombshell” Inspired ‘Speak Up’ T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring the empowering slogan “Speak Up”. Made from high-quality materials, this t-shirt is a perfect way to show your support for women’s rights and gender equality. It’s inspired by one of the key messages of the film.
• Roger Ailes: Off Camera: An investigative documentary that takes a deeper look into the rise and fall of Roger Ailes. This is available to stream and rent on Amazon Prime Video, adding insights beyond the film’s dramatization.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bombshell features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “West Hartford” – performed by Brad Mehldau

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Charlize Theron Was Almost Naked When She First Met Margot Robbie

Imagine meeting a famous actress for the first time, and she’s almost naked! That’s exactly what happened to Margot Robbie when she met Charlize Theron. Watch this hilarious clip from The Ellen Show to hear the full story.

How Charlize Theron Transformed Into Megyn Kelly For ‘Bombshell’ | Movies Insider

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood actors completely transform into different characters? This video shows the incredible makeup and prosthetics used to turn Charlize Theron into Megyn Kelly for ‘Bombshell’. It’s a testament to the power of makeup and a must-watch for fans of the movie.

Charlize Theron reacts to Megyn Kelly’s take on ‘Bombshell’ l GMA

What does Megyn Kelly think of the movie ‘Bombshell’, which depicts her life and experiences? Watch this GMA interview to hear Charlize Theron’s reaction to Kelly’s opinion. It’s a unique perspective that sheds light on the relationship between the actress and the real-life figure she played.

How Margot Robbie Broke The Bombshell Curse #shorts #shortsyoutube

Have you ever wondered how Margot Robbie has managed to avoid being typecast as a ‘bombshell’ despite her stunning looks? This insightful video analyzes her career trajectory and reveals the strategies she has employed to shape her own narrative. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by women in Hollywood.

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