In “Concussion,” Pittsburgh pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) is known for his quirky habits, such as speaking to corpses and asking for their help in identifying their causes of death, and performing his surgery while listening to Teddy Pendergrass. The doctor’s routine life is abruptly disrupted when Pittsburgh Steeler football legend Mike Webster dies at age 50 from causes associated with severe mental deterioration. Omalu performs the autopsy, and routine tests run on Webster showed no abnormalities. The budget in the coroner’s office is tight, so the doctor has further tests run at his own expense. The results show severe brain damage that Omalu believes to be a result of the repeated concussions players endure. When a string of other former NFL players die under similar circumstances, Omalu publishes a research paper outlining his conclusions—and the multibillion-dollar-earning NFL does not like what he has to say.
“Concussion” has that great combination of a compelling fact-based story and superior acting, and it’s rated a “See It.” This film works because Will Smith makes it work. He has the powerful on-screen persona—complete with a Nigerian-British accent—that this lead role requires. If there is one problem with this character, it’s that he is too perfect: willing to pay for extra tests out of his own pocket; saves all of his money; always goes to church; and never makes any type of advances towards his gorgeous roommate, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, until she asks him out.
As to our diversity rating, “Concussion” gets an A-. It’s a very diverse film in terms of black and white, not so much other ethnicities.
“Concussion” is two hours and three minutes long and is rated PG-13 for theme and images. This is an exceptional production and you should see it!