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Biographical drama

Bombshell (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Bombshell (2019) movie poster

Bombshell is a 2019 biographical drama directed by Jay Roach, starring John Lithgow as Roger Ailes, Connie Britton and Malcolm McDowell. It runs 1 hour 49 minutes and earned $61.4 million worldwide on a $32 million budget. It won 1 Oscar, including Makeup and Hairstyling, and 3 awards in all. Critics gave it 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Lionsgate+, or rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Video.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
68%
worldwide gross
$61.4M
Oscar won
1
Where to watch Watch the trailer
Bombshell (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 49m (109 min)
Director
Jay Roach
Genres
Biography , Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Lionsgate
Budget
$32M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bombshell About?

The premise of Bombshell without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Three female journalists at a major American television network grapple with the complexities of ambition, integrity, and power dynamics. As they uncover a shocking scandal involving the network’s powerful CEO, they must confront difficult choices and navigate a cutthroat environment where their own achievements are threatened by the very system they once upheld. The story explores the challenges faced by women in media and the consequences of speaking truth to power.

Bombshell Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • sexual harassment lawsuit
  • manhattan new york city
  • sexual harassment in the workplace
  • scandal
  • tv news
  • fox news
  • lesbian
  • new york city
  • systemic sexism
  • based on true story
  • sexual harassment
  • quitting a job
+38 more
  • photograph
  • news anchor
  • abuse of power
  • conservative media
  • 2010s
  • roger ailes character
  • f rated
  • republican party
  • me too movement
  • sexism
  • right wing politics
  • feminism
  • blonde
  • blonde woman
  • rudy giuliani character
  • rupert murdoch character
  • female protagonist
  • gretchen carlson character
  • elevator
  • political convention
  • presidential candidate
  • interview
  • television network
  • fired from a job
  • lawsuit
  • secret recording
  • sex with boss
  • office politics
  • presidential debate
  • breaking the fourth wall
  • workplace drama
  • power imbalance
  • taking advantage of someone
  • workplace harassment
  • news reporter
  • female news reporter
  • gender discrimination
  • tv network executive
Where to watch

Where to Watch Bombshell

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Lionsgate+, or rent or buy it from Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Video. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

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Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Bombshell Cast & Characters

John Lithgow leads the cast as Roger Ailes, with Connie Britton as Beth Ailes and Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch. Directed by Jay Roach; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bombshell

· 16 more
Ratings

Bombshell Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bombshell 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

62 /100

Bombshell Echo Score Breakdown

Bombshell delivers an engaging but uneven viewing experience overall. The film’s direction and performances provide a lively momentum, yet its superficial treatment of complex subject matter limits its impact. The pacing fluctuates between energetic sequences and uneven stretches, while the visual design occasionally distracts with heavy prosthetics. It acknowledges important cultural issues without fully exploring their ramifications, resulting in a film that informs but does not resonate deeply.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from a confident and brisk directorial approach that keeps the narrative moving. The production design and cinematography establish an authentic newsroom atmosphere, though the heavy use of prosthetic makeup can draw attention away from the framing. Overall, the visual workmanship feels solid but occasionally uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally strong, delivering convincing portrayals of real-life figures. The lead actors convey determination and indignation effectively, but some supporting roles lack substantial development. Emotional resonance emerges in key confrontations, yet the film’s limited depth constrains a more profound connection. Net impression remains moderately engaging.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Bombshell opens with compelling tension yet struggles to sustain narrative depth. Pacing alternates between brisk sequences and more uneven stretches that undercut momentum. The plot follows familiar beats of incoming revelations with limited exploration of underlying complexities. Consequently, the storytelling achieves basic engagement but stops short of full immersion.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film offers clear sound design and a focused score that supports its newsroom setting. Visual style is direct and uncluttered, though the noticeable prosthetic makeup can prove distracting in close-ups. Overall, the audiovisual elements are competent and functional but lack a distinctive flair that might heighten immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch factor, Bombshell delivers initial interest through its topical narrative and strong lead performances. On subsequent viewings, the superficial treatment of nuanced material becomes more apparent, and the reliance on familiar structural beats diminishes replay value. Ultimately, the film retains some appeal but offers limited new rewards upon later viewings.

Plot

Bombshell Plot Summary

What happens in Bombshell from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2016, Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) held the powerful position of chairman at Fox News, tightly controlling the network’s operations from the second floor of its headquarters. The film intricately weaves the narratives of three notable women working at Fox News. Roger, appointed by Rupert Murdoch (Malcolm McDowell), has been influential in shaping Republican presidential elections since the Nixon era.

Full summary

The whole story of Bombshell, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Bombshell Box Office & Budget

Bombshell grossed $61.4 million worldwide on a $32 million budget, 1.9 times what it cost. $31.8 million came from the US and Canada and $29.6 million (48%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$61.4M

1.9× its budget

US & Canada
$31.8M
International
$29.6M
Budget
$32M
US & Canada 52% Rest of the world 48%
Awards

Bombshell Awards & Nominations

Bombshell won 1 Oscar, including Makeup and Hairstyling, and 3 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Critics' Choice 2020, with 1 win from 4 nominations.

3 wins15 nominations5 ceremonies

Show all 5 ceremonies
Videos

Bombshell Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bombshell?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who played the role of Megyn Kelly in the film?
Cars

Cars in Bombshell

14 cars on screen, including the 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV and the 2015 Ford Transit.

All 14 cars
  • 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV in Bombshell 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV Important role
  • 2015 Ford Transit in Bombshell 2015 Ford Transit Minor role
  • 2018 Land-Rover Range Rover Series IV in Bombshell 2018 Land-Rover Range Rover Series IV Minor role
  • 2003 Lincoln Town Car in Bombshell 2003 Lincoln Town Car Minor role
Details

Bombshell Also Known As

40 alternative titles, including “Bombshell - La voce dello scandalo” and “El escándalo (Bombshell)”.

Also known as
  • Bombshell - La voce dello scandalo
  • El escándalo (Bombshell)
  • Bombshell: O Escândalo
  • Bombshell - Das Ende des Schweigens
  • One su bombe
  • Harašment skandál
  • Opgørets time
  • Fair and Balanced
  • Бомба със закъснител
  • Scandale
  • Šokující odhalení
  • Skandal
+28 more
  • Скандал
  • Bombshell - Hiljaisuuden rikkojat
  • El escándalo
  • 밤쉘: 세상을 바꾼 폭탄선언
  • Bombshell - När tystnaden bryts
  • Bombshell - Opgørets time
  • Сенсація
  • Βόμβα
  • 重磅腥聞
  • פצצה
  • Оне су бомбе
  • Gorący temat
  • Botrány
  • O Escândalo
  • Bombshell - O Escândalo
  • 爆炸新闻
  • スキャンダル
  • Tin Nóng
  • Skandalas
  • 爆炸性醜聞
  • Skandāls
  • Šokujúce odhalenie, სენსაცია
  • แฉกระฉ่อนโลก
  • بامب‌شل
  • Bombshell: Scandalul
  • L’escàndol
  • One so bombe
  • Pommuudis

Seen Bombshell?
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FAQ

Bombshell FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of Bombshell, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bombshell?

Bombshell runs 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

When was Bombshell released?

Bombshell was released on December 13, 2019.

Who directed Bombshell?

Bombshell was directed by Jay Roach.

More films by Jay Roach

Who is in the cast of Bombshell?

Bombshell stars John Lithgow as Roger Ailes, Connie Britton as Beth Ailes and Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch, among 20 credited actors.

Where can I watch Bombshell?

In the US, Bombshell is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Lionsgate+ and available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Bombshell make at the box office?

Bombshell grossed $61.4 million worldwide ($31.8 million domestic, $29.6 million international) on a budget of $32 million.

How is Bombshell rated?

Bombshell has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

What awards did Bombshell win?

Bombshell won 3 awards from 15 nominations, including Best Hair and Makeup at the Critics' Choice 2020.

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