Silkwood (1983)

This Mike Nichols picture is based on the life of Karen Silkwood, a former employee of the Kerr-McGee plutonium plant in Oklahoma. Karen threatened to expose the negligent policies and safety violations of her superiors in 1974 before mysteriously dying in a one-car crash. With Meryl Streep portraying Karen and Kurt Russell and Cher in supporting roles, this five-time Oscar nominee gives one brave woman’s story the platform it deserves.

Side note: Meryl only had a two-and-a-half week break between completing her Oscar-winning work in Sophie’s Choice and beginning production on Silkwood.