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Biographical thriller

Chappaquiddick (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Chappaquiddick (2018) movie poster

Chappaquiddick is a 2018 biographical thriller directed by John Curran, starring Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne, Jason Clarke and Ed Helms. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes and earned $18.3 million worldwide on a $34 million budget. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 2.2/10. Stream it on Philo and Starz, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
2.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
80%
worldwide gross
$18.3M
Echo Score
67
Chappaquiddick (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
John Curran
Original language
English
Budget
$34M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Chappaquiddick About?

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

This biographical drama explores the tragic events following a car accident on Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts. The film focuses on the aftermath of the crash, which resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, and examines the actions and decisions of Senator Ted Kennedy. It portrays the unfolding investigation and the profound impact the incident had on his political career and American history, raising questions about responsibility and public perception.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Chappaquiddick

Stream it on Philo and Starz, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Chappaquiddick Cast & Characters

Kate Mara leads the cast as Mary Jo Kopechne, with Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Ed Helms as Joseph Gargan. Directed by John Curran; 17 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Chappaquiddick Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Chappaquiddick 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 2.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

67 /100

Chappaquiddick Echo Score Breakdown

Chappaquiddick offers a composed exploration of a historical scandal but struggles to maintain emotional engagement across its narrative. Its measured direction and attention to period detail earn consistent praise, while Jason Clarke’s portrayal of Ted Kennedy receives frequent commendation for its nuance. However, the film’s pacing and plot focus divide audiences, leaving some viewers appreciative of its restraint and others disappointed by its lack of dramatic momentum. Overall, Chappaquiddick presents a solid but occasionally underwhelming depiction of its subject.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and cinematography, Chappaquiddick demonstrates a disciplined visual approach that emphasizes clarity and period atmosphere. Scenes are composed with careful framing and subdued lighting that reinforce the film’s sober tone. Editing choices maintain narrative focus without excess flourish. Overall, the art and craft convey a measured, purposeful style.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to acting and character depth, Jason Clarke’s portrayal of Ted Kennedy anchors the film with a restrained but perceptive performance. Supporting roles deliver varied results, with some performances adding authentic presence while others underutilize talented cast members. Emotional resonance arises in moments of personal crisis. Overall, the character work is solid but uneven in impact.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the film delivers a clear chronological account of events but occasionally sacrifices momentum for procedural detail. The narrative structure unfolds methodically, yet some viewers may find the focus on factual accuracy limits dramatic tension. Moments of suspense are effective but unevenly distributed. Overall, the story proves informative but lacks consistent engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of score and visual style, Chappaquiddick employs a restrained soundtrack that underlines the film’s tense atmosphere without overwhelming dialogue. Sound design remains subtle, accentuating ambient details. The visual palette favors muted tones and contrast, reinforcing the period setting. Overall, the sensory components support the narrative mood in a cohesive and unobtrusive manner.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    In terms of rewatch value, the film’s measured approach and factual emphasis offer limited incentive for repeat viewings. While the exploration of moral complexity provides intellectual interest, the subdued dramatic peaks and minimal emotional payoff may reduce its lasting appeal. Overall, Chappaquiddick is informative on subsequent viewings but lacks strong replay motivation.

Plot

Chappaquiddick Plot Summary

What happens in Chappaquiddick from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the summer of ‘69 reaches its zenith, U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy](/actor/jason-clarke) (D–MA) grapples with the heavy burden of his family’s legacy, especially the memories of his brothers, John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. During an impromptu chat with cousin Joe Gargan, he expresses a heartfelt wish to honor their memories by inviting the hardworking Boiler Room Girls, who played a crucial role in Bobby’s presidential campaign, for a relaxing getaway on Martha’s Vineyard. This leads him to a lively gathering at a cottage party on Chappaquiddick Island, where his attention is inevitably drawn to Mary Jo Kopechne.

Full summary

The whole story of Chappaquiddick, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Chappaquiddick Box Office & Budget

Chappaquiddick grossed $18.3 million worldwide on a $34 million budget, 54% of what it cost. $17.4 million came from the US and Canada and $867,950 (5%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$18.3M

54% of its budget back

US & Canada
$17.4M
International
$868K
Budget
$34M
US & Canada 95% Rest of the world 5%
Videos

Chappaquiddick Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

CHAPPAQUIDDICK Official Trailer (2018) Kate Mara, Kennedy Biography Movie HD
  • Trailer Chappaquiddick - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Chappaquiddick?

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

In what year does the Chappaquiddick incident take place?

Cars

Cars in Chappaquiddick

20 cars on screen, including the 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 and the 1965 Plymouth Valiant.

All 20 cars
  • 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 in Chappaquiddick 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 Featured role
  • 1965 Plymouth Valiant in Chappaquiddick 1965 Plymouth Valiant Important role
  • 1966 Rambler Classic in Chappaquiddick 1966 Rambler Classic Important role
  • 1951 Ford F-Series in Chappaquiddick 1951 Ford F-Series Minor role
Details

Chappaquiddick Also Known As

20 alternative titles, including “The Senator” and “The Last Son”.

Also known as
  • The Senator
  • The Last Son
  • LE SECRET DES KENNEDY
  • Das Alibi – Spiel der Macht
  • The Last Kennedy
  • O Legado Kennedy
  • Чаппакуиддик
  • El escándalo Ted Kennedy
  • Son Kennedy
  • Lo scandalo Kennedy
  • Η ενοχή του Κένεντι
  • L’escàndol Ted Kennedy
+8 more
  • 查帕奎迪克
  • O Segredo dos Kennedy
  • Das Alibi - Spiel der Macht
  • Чапакуидик
  • 夏帕魁迪克事件
  • 차파퀴딕
  • פרשת צ'פקווידיק, ჩაპაკვიდიკი
  • Чаппакуіддік

Seen Chappaquiddick?

FAQ

Chappaquiddick FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Chappaquiddick, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Chappaquiddick?

Chappaquiddick runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was Chappaquiddick released?

Chappaquiddick was released on April 6, 2018.

Who directed Chappaquiddick?

Chappaquiddick was directed by John Curran.

More films by John Curran

Who is in the cast of Chappaquiddick?

Chappaquiddick stars Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne, Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Ed Helms as Joseph Gargan, among 17 credited actors.

Where can I watch Chappaquiddick?

In the US, Chappaquiddick is streaming on Philo and Starz and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Chappaquiddick make at the box office?

Chappaquiddick grossed $18.3 million worldwide ($17.4 million domestic, $867,950 international) on a budget of $34 million.

How is Chappaquiddick rated?

Chappaquiddick has 2.2/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.

Does Chappaquiddick have a post-credit scene?

No. Chappaquiddick has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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