Concussion

The cinematic journey begins with a mesmerizing montage of football phenom Mike Webster (David Morse) in his prime, showcasing his impressive skills on the field and his articulate persona off it. However, the present-day narrative takes a poignant turn as we find ourselves in September 2002, where Mike has succumbed to the devastating effects of dementia, living a hardscrabble existence on the streets, confined to his car.

Meanwhile, Nigerian pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) is busy delivering a riveting testimony in court, meticulously unraveling the mystery surrounding a murder case through his groundbreaking research. His expertise reveals that the bloodstains on the defendant's hands don't belong to the victim, thanks to an unexpected twist: the accused is a hemophiliac, making injury or death an unacceptable risk.

As Dr. Omalu navigates the corridors of Allegheny County's coroner's office, he finds solace in his peculiar habit of conversing with the deceased to better understand the circumstances surrounding their demise. His coworkers, including the warm Gracie (Sara Lindsey), offer a sympathetic ear, while the cantankerous Danny (Mike O'Malley) consistently tests his patience. The pathologist also harbors an odd quirk – he disposes of knives after a single use – which attracts the attention of his boss, Dr. Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks). During their tense meeting, Bennet poses a philosophical question: would his superior want him to dissect his mother with the same knife used on a notorious serial killer? The unflappable Dr. Wecht responds with an unsettling "yes," and even requests that Bennet perform the task himself.

As Dr. Omalu tends to Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a vulnerable young immigrant, he offers her financial assistance, which she initially rejects as an affront to her dignity. With empathetic understanding, he reassures her that it's acceptable to need help and that American culture often demands a façade of self-sufficiency to achieve success.

The narrative takes a heart-wrenching turn with Mike Webster's (David Morse) visit to Dr. Julian Bailes (Alec Baldwin), where his condition appears to be spiraling out of control. A poignant encounter with fellow football veteran Justin Strzelczyk (Matthew Willig) serves as a somber reminder that they are not alone in their struggle. As the once-illustrious athlete's physical and mental decline accelerates, he becomes trapped in a desperate cycle of self-medication, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.

The city reels in shock as Mike Webster's lifeless body arrives at Bennet's examination table. A ghastly sight greets Bennet: Webster's teeth, brutally extracted and superglued back into place, a testament to the gruesome toll of his injuries. A deeper look at Webster's brain reveals a cocktail of severe head trauma and mental deterioration, a diagnosis that sends shivers down Cyril's spine. Bennet delves further into football's dark underbelly by scrutinizing game footage, tallying the number of devastating blows suffered by players like Webster.

As Bennet's research intensifies, his personal life flourishes. A night out with Prema yields a whirlwind romance, culminating in a marriage proposal and an impending first child. The bliss is short-lived, however, as Strzcelczyk's erratic behavior sparks concern. His wife's desperate pleas to leave fall on deaf ears as he drives away, only to be found dead later. Terry Long's mysterious death by antifreeze poisoning adds fuel to the fire, prompting Bennet to investigate further.

Bennet's findings point to a sinister culprit: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease born from repeated head trauma on the gridiron. He shares his research with Dr. Steven DeKosky and Dr. Ron Hamilton, who initially resist but ultimately concur with his conclusions. As word spreads, Bennet's reputation takes a hit, with many accusing him of concocting a scandal to tarnish football's good name. Despite being pressured to retract his statements, Bennet finds an unlikely ally in Julian, who publicly distances himself from the NFL's attempts to discredit Bennet.

Meanwhile, Dave Duerson is confronted by the tortured soul of Andre Waters, a fellow player ravaged by CTE's devastating effects. Waters' anguished pleas for help fall on deaf ears as Duerson abandons him, leaving him to suffer in silence. The tragic discovery of Waters' self-inflicted gunshot wound serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ignoring these players' pleas.

As tensions simmer, Bennet and Julian meet with Dr. Joseph Maroon at a restaurant, hoping to galvanize support for their crusade. However, Maroon's scathing rebuke leaves Bennet feeling deflated, his message of truth and prevention ignored once more. Bennet's resolve remains unwavering, driven by the haunting specter of these fallen athletes' stories, which continue to unfold like a dark tapestry, shrouding the world of professional football in an aura of despair.

As Roger Goodell (Luke Wilson) takes the helm as commissioner of the National Football League, Dr. Bennet's life becomes increasingly tumultuous. He's summoned to address a summit on concussions, only to be told that his input is no longer needed - Julian, the NFL's neurological consultant, has taken over as the designated speaker. The sudden shift sparks tension between the two men. Meanwhile, Bennet faces a new set of challenges when corrupt FBI agents appear at his doorstep, intent on indicting his colleague Cyril Wecht and threatening to deport him back to Nigeria if he doesn't cooperate.

As tensions escalate, Bennet's personal life takes a hit as well. Prema, driving alone one day, becomes convinced that someone is following her and makes a detour to shake them off. However, the ordeal leaves her shaken, and she's forced to seek medical attention after experiencing complications. The devastating news from the hospital - that their unborn child has no heartbeat - sends Bennet into a tailspin of despair.

After being forced to sell his home and struggling to cope with the crushing blow, Bennet decides it's time to start anew. Three years later, he and Prema have relocated to Lodi, California, where they're raising their daughter in a quieter, more peaceful environment. However, the past refuses to stay buried when Julian reaches out to Bennet once again, this time with news that Dave Duerson has taken his own life and left behind a request for his brain to be studied.

As Bennet delves back into his research, he finds himself at the forefront of a growing national conversation about CTE - chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The parallels between the NFL's handling of concussions and tobacco companies' denial of health risks are eerily familiar, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability. With his reputation redeemed, Bennet is offered a job in Washington D.C., but he ultimately chooses to stay in California with Prema and their children.

As the dust settles on the NFL's concussion crisis, retired players begin filing lawsuits against the league for concealing information about the long-term effects of head trauma. The NFL eventually settles out of court, agreeing not to disclose its knowledge about the issue - a move that ultimately leaves 28% of former football players vulnerable to CTE. Cyril Wecht, cleared of all charges, is finally exonerated. In February 2015, Bennet Omalu officially becomes a U.S. citizen, having overcome countless obstacles to forge a new path in America.