Chappaquiddick

Name: Chappaquiddick
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Thriller, Crime
Released: April 6, 2018
Duration: 106 min
Rating: 67
Cast: Andria Blackman, Bruce Dern, Clancy Brown, Ed Helms, Gillian Mariner Gordon

2018

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 33 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 64 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 64 Ratings

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Chappaquiddick

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Movie Details & Credits

Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: April 6, 2018 | PG-13

Starring: Andria Blackman, Bruce Dern, Clancy Brown, Ed Helms, Gillian Mariner Gordon, Jason Clarke, Jason Mulcahy, Jim Gaffigan, John Fiore, Kate Mara, Katie Henoch, Lexie Roth, Olivia Thirlby, Sarah Elizabeth Mitchell, Susan Garibotto, Taylor Nichols, Thomas Kee

Summary: In the riveting suspense drama, CHAPPAQUIDDICK, the scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne. Not only did this event take the life of an aspiringIn the riveting suspense drama, CHAPPAQUIDDICK, the scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne. Not only did this event take the life of an aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider, but it ultimately changed the course of presidential history forever. Through true accounts, documented in the inquest from the investigation in 1969, director John Curran and writers Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen, intimately expose the broad reach of political power, the influence of America's most celebrated family; and the vulnerability of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family legacy.
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Director: John Curran

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, History, Thriller, Crime

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 106 min

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Critic Reviews

IndieWire Kate Erbland

Mar 2, 2018

Jason Clarke opts for a more low-key approach to Teddy Kennedy, eschewing a big accent or showy mannerisms, and fully disappears into the role. It’s his finest work yet, and proof of his ability to excel given the right material. Read full review

Leah Greenblatt

Apr 4, 2018

What the movie doesn’t do, until it’s nearly over, is make any real case for why so much of America continued to put their faith in Kennedy long after the facts of the case were revealed. Read full review

Danielle White

Apr 9, 2018

Chappaquiddick portrays the “incident” with the delicate meticulousness of an autopsy – which is ironic because the body of Mary Jo Kopechne never got one. Read full review

Richard Lawson

Apr 25, 2018

Chappaquiddick isn’t a harangue against Kennedy, but it does take a hard look at a man who was a revered stalwart of the Democratic party for decades. The film works best as a character study, a profile of moral crisis, rather than any sort of true-crime exposé. Read full review

Movie Nation Roger Moore

Apr 11, 2018

Wandering into the unknowns doesn’t serve history or the film well enough to make Chappaquiddick anything more than cinematic escape for folks who don’t like the current history they’d rather avoid thinking about by going to the movies. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

Apr 12, 2018

Although Chappaquiddick doesn’t address Kennedy’s subsequent legislative record, it’s the silver-lining storm cloud that hangs over the movie. Read full review

The Playlist Kevin Jagernauth

Mar 2, 2018

Chappaquiddick hardly lands with the power of an exposé, and doesn’t bite hard enough to spur a reconsideration of the Kennedys. The film revives a chapter in Kennedy history, but what it means nearly forty years later is never quite clear. Read full review

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User Reviews

Apr 7, 2018

“Chappaquiddick” is an extraordinary movie. It should be multiple-Oscar worthy, but it will be interesting to see if its subject matter prevents it from getting the recognition it deserves. There were attempts to prevent its production and release, and it apparently is receiving only limited“Chappaquiddick” is an extraordinary movie. It should be multiple-Oscar worthy, but it will be interesting to see if its subject matter prevents it from getting the recognition it deserves. There were attempts to prevent its production and release, and it apparently is receiving only limited distribution, given that I had to drive thirty minutes just to see it. I wouldn’t say the movie was sympathetic to or condemnatory of Ted Kennedy. It told a story I vaguely remember from my childhood. What it did illustrate--replete with excellent acting, authentic depictions of the zeitgeist of the late 60s, a realistic recreation of the crash site and accident, and some scenes obviously recreated or surmised rather than historically documented--is what most thinking people already know: 1) Lady Justice peaks under her blindfold when adjudicating the wealthy and powerful, especially when they are in their home towns. 2) If you are going to mess up royally, it’s best to do so in a place in which all of the local movers and shakers have known you so long they’re almost family. 3) Having a generally sympathetic media and public is worth its weight in small fines, suspended sentences, and community services. 4) Average Americans “should not try this at home,” or the full weight of the rule of law will descend on them like the proverbial ton of bricks and crush them. 5) Political dynasties based on family names and “mystique” (Kennedy, Bush, Clinton) are invariably corrupt and should be reserved for banana republics rather than the greatest nation in the world. The 5:00 Saturday show in an affluent Philadelphia suburb was filled close to capacity, so I suspect “Chappaquiddick” will succeed even if has taken almost 50 years to be made, when movies with much less interesting storylines (“All the President’s Men”) were produced as quickly as Hollywood could slap together a screenplay.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

moviebuffers

Apr 13, 2018

I was 13 years old when this happened and lived nearby, he was my senator. I remember being mystified at the time as to how a senator could behave this way and as I aged I became more and more perturbed about his behavior. Not sure if people realize or remember but he continued on hisI was 13 years old when this happened and lived nearby, he was my senator. I remember being mystified at the time as to how a senator could behave this way and as I aged I became more and more perturbed about his behavior. Not sure if people realize or remember but he continued on his drunken way for 20 more years before he sobered up leaving more wreckage behind him. How the voters of my state could return him every 6 years is beyond comprehension. His behavior makes Trump look like the proverbial alter boy. O by the way - the film was great, well written and acted.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

TVJerry

Apr 9, 2018

For anyone who doesn't remember this historical event, this movie will fill you in…plus keep you thoroughly involved in the unfolding circumstances. Jason Clarke is fantastic as Senator Kennedy. He captures enough of the idosyrantic look and accent, but more importantly, he beautifullyFor anyone who doesn't remember this historical event, this movie will fill you in…plus keep you thoroughly involved in the unfolding circumstances. Jason Clarke is fantastic as Senator Kennedy. He captures enough of the idosyrantic look and accent, but more importantly, he beautifully creates a nuanced and flawed character. Watching as he and his team evolves the "coverup" keeps interest without ever letting the pace lag. The rest of the cast is also excellent. There are never any grand revelations or big moments, but director John Curran has crafted an intelligent, compelling investigation into political power.… Expand

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

JLuis_001

Aug 8, 2018

Solid dramatic thriller based on real events. Is quite interesting despite the fact that the incident that narrates isn't really famous but again has the advantage of being based on something real.
There's good tension, the performances are also of a pretty good level, it keeps you attentiveSolid dramatic thriller based on real events. Is quite interesting despite the fact that the incident that narrates isn't really famous but again has the advantage of being based on something real.
There's good tension, the performances are also of a pretty good level, it keeps you attentive and it's satisfactory enough. It's worth it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

geewah

Jan 8, 2021

Well constructed movie that does a good job of telling the story of the mysterious death of Mary Jo Kopechne. The underrated Jason Clarke does a fine job in the lead role.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Edeltraud

Apr 15, 2018

I did enjoy this movie for the acting & the depiction of a small, elite New England shore town trying to cope with a huge, horrific, national story. It's interesting to see a slice of history fleshed out, but despite Ted coming off as heartless, the film didn't accurately depict theI did enjoy this movie for the acting & the depiction of a small, elite New England shore town trying to cope with a huge, horrific, national story. It's interesting to see a slice of history fleshed out, but despite Ted coming off as heartless, the film didn't accurately depict the debauchery that he was known for (even according to a NYT piece 5 yrs after the accident that said he had a reputation for heavy drinking & fast driving.) Instead, this made it seem almost as if it were an isolated incident. Why was his relationship with his wife so strained, for instance, that might be an important piece & would have been more interesting than the drawn out scenes with his father. The pressure on Mary Jo's parents, as well, could have been delved into further. Those who like historical drama will want to see this, but for those who like a more "regular" thriller, this will seem too introspective.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Thomass

Jul 11, 2018

I did not get much from this film. Depicts the facts that many recall about the incident...no new facts to be had. They added fictional elements but you didn’t know which parts were true unless you knew the whole story. Also I get that they wanted to show how truth is lost and the spinI did not get much from this film. Depicts the facts that many recall about the incident...no new facts to be had. They added fictional elements but you didn’t know which parts were true unless you knew the whole story. Also I get that they wanted to show how truth is lost and the spin doctors come in to create a story that people accept. Oddly out dated in this era of whole sale lying. They don’t even bother to make up cover stories now. So I got to the end and thought really “what’s the new insight?”. Did not feel it added much to my view of the incident.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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