Watch Concussions

Concussion is a 2015 film directed by Peter Landesman and stars Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist who discovers the link between football-related head injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease. The film is based on true events and is a dramatic retelling of Dr. Omalu's quest to uncover the workings of CTE and the effects it has on football players.

Set in Pittsburgh in the early 2000s, the film opens with Dr. Omalu performing an autopsy on the body of former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster (David Morse), a legendary player who was found dead at the age of 50. As Dr. Omalu peels back the layers of Webster's brain tissue, he discovers the unmistakable signs of CTE, a condition previously only found in boxers.

Despite his findings, Dr. Omalu's discovery is met with skepticism from the medical community and the NFL, who fear the implications of his research on the future of the sport. Ignoring the warnings of his colleagues, Dr. Omalu continues his investigations, eventually leading to a conflict with the NFL.

As Dr. Omalu's work gains more attention, he is met with hostility and attempts to discredit his findings. He is subjected to a smear campaign orchestrated by the NFL and its supporters, but he never wavers in his commitment to understanding and exposing the truth about CTE.

Throughout the film, we see the personal toll that Dr. Omalu's research takes on him, including the strain it puts on his relationships with his girlfriend Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and his colleague Dr. Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks). Despite these challenges, Dr. Omalu persists in his efforts to bring his findings to the public, and ultimately succeeds in raising awareness about the dangers of football-related head injuries.

In addition to its powerful message about the consequences of head trauma in football, Concussion also explores themes around the immigrant experience and the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo. Will Smith's performance as Dr. Omalu is nuanced and persuasive, bringing both passion and sensitivity to the role. Mbatha-Raw and Brooks also shine in their supporting roles, providing strong emotional support and humor, respectively.

Overall, Concussion is a thought-provoking and impactful film that sheds light on an important and often overlooked issue. Its powerful message and compelling performances make it a must-see for those interested in exploring the ethical complexities of sports and medicine.