‘Concussion’: Urgent, special

At a time when finding a Hollywood drama that discusses an important topic is extremely rare, Concussion steps up to shine the light on a serious problem: the effects of repetitive violent head collisions on the brain in American football. The film is extremely urgent and special thanks to everyone who made this project come to life, even if it meant going against the National Football League’s (NFL) tradition of hiding vital evidence regarding the concussion crisis.

Dr Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) is a Nigerian pathologist with charisma and also a slight bit of arrogance. An outsider to Pittsburg, Dr Omalu doesn’t know anything about American football until he investigates the death of former Steelers legend Mike Webster. After Webster’s autopsy, Omalu resiliently demands brain tests on Webster. Based on his results, Omalu suspects a connection between dementia and the violent collisions that Webster suffered.

Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a Kenyan nurse who has just moved to Pittsburg. Omalu welcomes her into his house and they eventually get married. Prema is never overshadowed by Omalu’s charisma as she supports him during the hardships of his research. In a powerful exchange, she compares the threatening calls that Omalu receives from NFL supporters to rape.

Director Peter Landesman engraves a strong effect that resonates with the audience, even with cameo roles. For example, Dr Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks) makes a lasting impression on the audience with his humorous bits here and there.

The actors combined to create an ensemble of powerful yet distinct performances that explore a vital yet controversial topic deserving the full attention of many. In the words of Dr Bennett Omalu: “They have to listen to us.”