Overview
A security guard becomes an unlikely hero, only to be thrust into the spotlight as a suspect.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- tense
- low key
- compassionate
- historical drama night
- true story viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film to be an admirably economical, low-key, and well-acted true-story drama, while noting that it simplifies the real events and drew controversy over its portrayal of reporter Kathy Scruggs.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Richard Jewell is treated as a likely terrorist by the FBI and press despite his role in discovering the bomb.
The press turns Jewell from celebrated hero into a suspected criminal through speculative reporting.
Eastwood presents the investigation, media pursuit, and legal defense in an economical, understated style.
The Atlanta Olympic bombing aftermath exposes tensions among law enforcement, journalism, and ordinary citizens.
Films like Richard Jewell, and why
The Insider
shared true-events drama, institutional pressure, and an ordinary person caught in a public crisis
The Pelican Brief
shared false-accusation thriller structure, media scrutiny, and defense of an individual against powerful institutions
Sully
shared biographical drama, moral conviction, and legal conflict involving state power
Spotlight
shared journalism ethics, trial by media, and tense investigation of an alleged wrongdoing
Movie Details
- Director
- Clint Eastwood
- Release Date
- 2019-12-13
- Runtime
- 131 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (2812)
Cast
- Paul Walter Hauser
- Jon Hamm
- Kathy Bates
- Sam Rockwell
- Olivia Wilde
- Nina Arianda
- Ian Gomez
- Wayne Duvall
- Dylan Kussman
- Mike Pniewski
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- 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 Richard Jewell about?
- A vigilant security guard becomes both a national hero and the FBI’s prime suspect after uncovering a bomb at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- What is Richard Jewell like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Richard Jewell as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Richard Jewell violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Richard Jewell as mild.
- What did critics think of Richard Jewell?
- Critics broadly found the film to be an admirably economical, low-key, and well-acted true-story drama, while noting that it simplifies the real events and drew controversy over its portrayal of reporter Kathy Scruggs.
- Which films are like Richard Jewell?
- Films with a similar feel include The Insider, The Pelican Brief, Sully, and Spotlight.
- How long is Richard Jewell?
- Richard Jewell runs 131 minutes.
- Where can I watch Richard Jewell?
- In United States, Richard Jewell is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex.
