Synopsis
Bombshell is a 2019 biographical drama directed by Jay Roach and written by Charles Randolph.
The film dramatises real-life events at Fox News in 2016, focusing on the sexual harassment allegations against longtime CEO Roger Ailes and how a number of women at the network came forward. The narrative weaves together the stories of Megyn Kelly (played by Charlize Theron) and Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), among others, as they navigate career pressure, retaliation, and moral dilemmas while exposing a toxic workplace culture. A third character, Kayla Pospisil (portrayed by Margot Robbie), is a fictional composite of many women whom the filmmakers interviewed – her arc is used to represent broader patterns of harassment and intimidation.
Reviews
“One of the most compelling stories of the #MeToo movement is told unflinchingly, empathetically and authentically, with Charlize Theron completely nailing the knotty character of Megyn Kelly.”
Empire
“Bombshell doesn’t offer a deep or profound analysis of modern television, corporate doings or exploitative behind-closed-doors practices that have been going on since the beginning of time. But beyond creating a dynamic picture of a famous media entity in action, it strongly endorses the notion that, if people courageously stand up and speak out against impropriety and illegality, even against the rich and most privileged, justice can be done and progress can be made.”
Hollywood Reporter
“Director Jay Roach’s film follows those fraught days during the summer of 2016, when “Fox & Friends” morning show co-host Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit against the former Fox News CEO and Megyn Kelly—the network’s biggest star at that point—came forward with Ailes harassment tales of her own. It’s all weighty, serious material with huge stakes—emotionally, culturally and financially. But Roach, working from a script by Charles Randolph, finds a tricky balance of portraying these events with a sprightly tone while crafting a steadily building tension. “Bombshell” is both light on its feet and a punch in the gut.”
rogerebert.com