Chappaquiddick (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 46m (106 min)
- Director
- John Curran
- Original language
-
English
- Budget
- $34M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 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.
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.
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Director John Curran
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Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne -
Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy -
Ed Helms as Joseph Gargan -
Jim Gaffigan as Paul Markham
Also Starring in Chappaquiddick
· 13 more- John Fiore Chief Arena
- Clancy Brown Robert McNamara
- Taylor Nichols Ted Sorensen
- Bruce Dern Joseph Kennedy
- Olivia Thirlby Rachel
- Thomas Kee Walter Steele
- Lexie Roth Nance
- Andria Blackman
- Gillian Mariner Gordon Cricket
- Katie Henoch Suzy
- Jason Mulcahy
- Sarah Elizabeth Mitchell
- Susan Garibotto
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).
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.
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IMDb 2.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 68%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 67 Metascore
User score 7.2
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 61% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
5 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.4 /5
See on Movie Insider
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
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.
Worldwide gross
$18.3M
54% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $17.4M
- International
- $868K
- Budget
- $34M
Chappaquiddick Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Chappaquiddick - Official Trailer
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year does the Chappaquiddick incident take place?
Cars in Chappaquiddick
20 cars on screen, including the 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 and the 1965 Plymouth Valiant.
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1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 Featured role -
1965 Plymouth Valiant Important role -
1966 Rambler Classic Important role -
1951 Ford F-Series Minor role
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 Show fewer
- 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?
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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