Overview
A relentless journalist uncovers a conspiracy that could cost him everything.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- tense
- urgent
- sardonic
- political thriller night
- serious movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found it to be a taut, well-acted political thriller with an intelligent script and swift direction, though some unsubtle plot twists weakened its impact.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Cal McAffrey and Della Frye follow leads, interview insiders, protect informants, and pursue a story involving political and corporate power.
The investigation uncovers a corporate cover-up reaching into Congress and an election campaign.
A petty thief's shooting and a congressional assistant's fatal subway fall initially appear unrelated before Cal connects them.
Cal's turbulent history with Stephen Collins complicates his decision to expose the story and risk his life for it.
Films like State of Play, and why
All the President's Men
Shared political thriller framework, investigative journalism, government corruption, and newsroom tension.
The Parallax View
Shared conspiracy mystery, morally pressured investigators, institutional corruption, and escalating danger.
The Pelican Brief
Shared investigative reporter protagonist, murder conspiracy, political intrigue, and brisk thriller pacing.
The Insider
Shared newspaper setting, ethical newsroom conflict, political scandal, and ensemble-driven drama.
Movie Details
- Director
- Kevin Macdonald
- Release Date
- 2009-04-17
- Runtime
- 127 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (2223)
Cast
- Russell Crowe
- Ben Affleck
- Rachel McAdams
- Helen Mirren
- Robin Wright
- Jason Bateman
- Jeff Daniels
- Michael Berresse
- Harry Lennix
- Josh Mostel
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is State of Play about?
- A brash Washington reporter races to connect two suspicious deaths before a corporate conspiracy destroys both his investigation and his conscience.
- What is State of Play like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of State of Play as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is State of Play violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in State of Play as mild.
- What did critics think of State of Play?
- Critics broadly found it to be a taut, well-acted political thriller with an intelligent script and swift direction, though some unsubtle plot twists weakened its impact.
- Which films are like State of Play?
- Films with a similar feel include All the President's Men, The Parallax View, The Pelican Brief, and The Insider.
- How long is State of Play?
- State of Play runs 127 minutes.
- Where can I watch State of Play?
- In United States, State of Play is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
