Concussion Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Doctor discovers football gives people permanent headaches, so the NFL tries to bury him, but he is too persistent.

🍿 Concussion: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Suburban Life Interrupted

Abby, a middle-aged lesbian woman living a comfortable suburban life with her partner, Kate, and their child, finds herself increasingly unfulfilled. A routine existence of school runs, home renovations, and spin classes leaves her feeling sexually and emotionally stagnant. Her partner, a busy divorce lawyer, has little time or energy for intimacy, further fueling Abby’s discontent.

The Concussion and a New Idea

An accidental blow to the head from her son’s baseball game triggers something in Abby. Prompted by this physical jolt and her growing dissatisfaction, she decides to explore her suppressed desires. She begins by seeking out a female escort, but the experience leaves her wanting more control and a different kind of connection.

Becoming Eleanor

Abby decides to reinvent herself as ‘Eleanor,’ a discreet provider of intimate experiences for other women. She utilizes an apartment she’s renovating as a workspace, enlisting the help of her handyman, Justin, to find clients. Eleanor offers companionship and sexual exploration, catering to women from all walks of life, including some within her own social circle.

Living a Double Life

Abby navigates the challenges and complexities of her double life, balancing her responsibilities as a mother and partner with her newfound identity as Eleanor. She discovers new aspects of her own sexuality and gains insight into the lives and desires of other women. However, the secrecy and potential for exposure loom over her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abby (Robin Weigert): A bored lesbian housewife who becomes a prostitute to escape her mundane suburban life and explore her sexuality.
• Kate Abelman (Julie Fain Lawrence): Abby’s busy and somewhat neglectful partner, a divorce lawyer who is unaware of Abby’s double life.
• Sam Bennet (Maggie Siff): A bisexual woman from Abby’s neighborhood who becomes one of her clients, representing a potential for genuine connection.
• Justin Myers (Johnathan Tchaikovsky): Abby’s handyman who becomes her reluctant accomplice and confidant in her prostitution venture.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Bennet Omalu: “I am an American citizen.” – Omalu asserts his identity while facing skepticism and resistance to his findings about CTE in football players.
• Dr. Bennet Omalu: “You go to war for us. You play football for us. I see something, I say something.” – Omalu explains his motivation for pursuing the truth about CTE, highlighting the sacrifices made by football players.
• Dr. Bennet Omalu: “Tell me the truth, what am I missing?” – Omalu expressing his frustration to Prema Mutiso in trying to understand and deal with the forces against him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35 million
• Domestic Gross: $34.6 million
• Worldwide Gross: $48.6 million

💥 Concussion Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Concussion’ to be a really important movie. It’s hard to watch at times, seeing the human cost of a beloved sport. Will Smith does an excellent job portraying Dr. Omalu, and you really feel his struggle against a powerful organization. I was left thinking about the long-term effects of sports injuries, especially on young athletes. The film had me looking for more information about CTE.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Fans of indie films exploring themes of sexuality and identity”
  • “Those seeking thought-provoking stories about mid-life crises”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Explicit sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While well-intentioned and anchored by Will Smith’s committed performance, ‘Concussion’ simplifies a complex issue, resulting in a movie that pulls its punches.
• IMDB: “A very important story about CTE and the NFL, very well acted but a little heavy handed at times. Will Smith is believable as the doctor who discovered it, however the film can feel a bit preachy.

Audience Reactions

Will Smith’s performance was incredibly powerful and moving.: The movie sheds light on the dangers of CTE and the lengths the NFL went to suppress the information.

Overall Consensus: A well-intentioned but somewhat simplified dramatization of the CTE controversy, elevated by Will Smith’s performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the GQ article “Game Brain” by Jeanne Marie Laskas, which detailed Dr. Bennet Omalu’s research and struggles.”
• “Will Smith’s performance as Dr. Bennet Omalu was widely praised, though he received some criticism for his Nigerian accent.”
• “The movie faced scrutiny from the NFL, with some alleging attempts to discredit the science presented in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Concussion?

As of October 2024, ‘Concussion’ (2013) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Spotlight (2015): Both films depict individuals uncovering uncomfortable truths about powerful institutions and facing significant opposition.
• The Insider (1999): Features a whistleblower facing corporate pressure after revealing damaging information, similar to Omalu’s situation.
• Moneyball (2011): Deals with challenging established norms within the sports industry, although with a different focus on statistical analysis.

🛒 Concussion Related Products

• League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth: The book that inspired the movie ‘Concussion,’ this groundbreaking expose reveals the hidden story of the NFL’s attempts to suppress the truth about the link between football and brain damage.
• CTE Awareness Wristband: Show your support for CTE awareness with this comfortable and stylish wristband. A portion of the proceeds goes to research and support organizations.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Fight Song” – performed by Rachel Platten
• “I Won’t Back Down” – performed by Tom Petty

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Will Smith Pokes Fun at his Nigerian Accent in Concussion

Ever wondered how Will Smith perfected his Nigerian accent for ‘Concussion’? He actually watched a comedian! It’s hilarious to hear him talk about it, and you get a glimpse into his dedication to the role.

✨ Rate