Quick Info
Christine is a biographical drama from 2016 that tells the haunting story of Christine Chubbuck, a TV news reporter in 1970s Florida whose on-air suicide shook the media world. It’s a film that pulls you into the daily grind of local television, but also offers a deeply personal look at mental health struggles that still resonate today. Rebecca Hall’s moving performance as Christine is easily the best thing about this film — she brings such subtlety and compassion to a character who could’ve felt like a cliché.
What really struck me was how the movie balances its factual basis with a very intimate, almost claustrophobic feel. The newsroom becomes a pressure cooker and you can really sense how Christine’s battle with depression and professional frustrations build up around her. It’s both a critique of the media’s pursuit of sensationalism and a portrait of loneliness, competence, and being misunderstood.
The cinematography is understated but really effective, with a muted 70s color palette and lingering close-ups that make you feel uncomfortably close to Christine’s world. There’s this persistent hum of anxiety throughout, and even when nothing dramatic is happening, you feel the tension simmering. The supporting cast — including Michael C. Hall and Tracy Letts — help create a believable and sometimes painfully awkward newsroom dynamic.
Not everything lands perfectly. There are moments where the pacing drags, especially in the middle, and you can sense the filmmakers struggling a bit with how much to explain versus show. But if you appreciate character-driven stories that don’t shy away from the darker parts of real life, it's deeply affecting. Just know that this isn’t a light or easy watch.
You would enjoy this if you’re drawn to biographical dramas that delve into mental health, unsung historical stories, or just plain like seeing masterful acting in a small-scale setting. If you found movies like Shattered Glass or The Assistant compelling, this is definitely worth adding to your list.
