A nuclear power station worker is exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. Her employers insist this is an isolated incident, but she is convinced there is more to it and gathers evidence of their near total disregard for safety standards. Meanwhile, the company is ready to go to any lengths to keep her quiet. Fact-based drama, starring Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, Cher, Craig T Nelson and Ron Silver.

Like most of the people in her town, Karen Silkwood works at the local nuclear plant producing highly radioactive plutonium. Exposed one day to a lethal dose of radiation, Karen faces the blank walls of corporate indifference and denial. As her illness increases, her protest grows louder and she becomes an obvious danger to the powers that be.