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Zero Dark Thirty

Play trailer 2:15 Poster for Zero Dark Thirty R 2013 2h 37m Drama Mystery & Thriller War Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 304 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Osama bin Laden becomes one of the most-wanted men on the planet. The worldwide manhunt for the terrorist leader occupies the resources and attention of two U.S. presidential administrations. Ultimately, it is the work of a dedicated female operative (Jessica Chastain) that proves instrumental in finally locating bin Laden. In May 2011, Navy SEALs launch a nighttime strike, killing bin Laden in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
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Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty

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Critics Consensus

Gripping, suspenseful, and brilliantly crafted, Zero Dark Thirty dramatizes the hunt for Osama bin Laden with intelligence and an eye for detail.

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Critics Reviews

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Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com 04/26/2020
4/4
[Zero Dark Thirty] is one of the great cinematic procedurals ever made. Go to Full Review Scott Marks San Diego Reader 10/28/2019
3/5
When it comes to establishing and maintaining tension, there wasn't a better American genre picture released this year. Refrain from viewing it as historical record and you won't leave disappointed. Go to Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online 09/07/2017
A-
... it is Chastain's performance, as restrained as it is powerful, that may just be the cherry atop this massive and meticulous film. Go to Full Review Wael Khairy The Cinephile Fix 12/09/2024
...at the film’s most climatic scene, you’ll forget you’re even watching a movie. Go to Full Review Joseph Tomastik Loud and Clear Reviews 12/08/2024
4/5
Zero Dark Thirty suffers from a story that’s a bit too long, scattered, and cold … but that also works in its favor, because it makes you feel how maddeningly long, scattered, and cold the near-decade-long search for bin Laden must have been. Go to Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies 12/19/2022
3.5/5
Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal may have meant well but make no mistake that Zero Dark Thirty cannot be viewed in the same light after the torture report's release in 2014. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Meloney Nov 12 Really enjoyed seeing this on the big screen. Intense, gripping… a great political thriller. See more Blake- N @RT32589154 2d I think Zero Dark Thirty is one of the best modern war dramas. It takes a grounded, methodical approach that makes the story feel incredibly real and intense. Jessica Chastain delivers a powerful performance, carrying the film with a sense of determination that never feels overdone. What really stood out to me is the attention to detail and the slow buildup leading to the final act. Instead of relying on constant action, the film builds tension through investigation and persistence, which makes the payoff even more impactful. It’s not always an easy watch, but that’s part of what makes it so effective. Overall, I’d give it a 9/10 for its realism, strong performances, and gripping storytelling. See more Miguel A. @miguelito_13k Mar 27 No scene is wasted. You feel the weight of every moment and every decision. See more Brendan N. @daddy67 Mar 23 The main character is so annoying it’s a hard watch. See more Matt H. @hodnick Mar 4 Great movie, an instant classic!!! See more Brandon T. @brandontuley43 Mar 2 Get it while it’s hot! See more Read all reviews
Zero Dark Thirty

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Cast & Crew

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Kathryn Bigelow

Director

Jessica Chastain

Maya

Jason Clarke

Dan

Joel Edgerton

Patrick

Jennifer Ehle

Jessica

Mark Strong

George

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Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty: Trailer 1 Zero Dark Thirty: Trailer 1 2:15 Zero Dark Thirty: Teaser Trailer Zero Dark Thirty: Teaser Trailer 1:07 View more videos
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Zero Dark Thirty

(L-R) Christopher Stanley as Admiral Bill McCraven, Jessica Chastain as Maya and Alex Corbet Burcher in "Zero Dark Thirty." A scene from "Zero Dark Thirty." Jessica Chastain as Maya in "Zero Dark Thirty." (L-R) Chris Pratt as Justin and Joel Edgerton as Patrick in "Zero Dark Thirty." (L-R) Kyle Chandler as Joseph Bradley and Jason Clarke as Dan in "Zero Dark Thirty." A scene from "Zero Dark Thirty." Mark Strong in "Zero Dark Thirty." Jessica Chastain in "Zero Dark Thirty." Kyle Chandler in "Zero Dark Thirty." A scene from "Zero Dark Thirty." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Osama bin Laden becomes one of the most-wanted men on the planet. The worldwide manhunt for the terrorist leader occupies the resources and attention of two U.S. presidential administrations. Ultimately, it is the work of a dedicated female operative (Jessica Chastain) that proves instrumental in finally locating bin Laden. In May 2011, Navy SEALs launch a nighttime strike, killing bin Laden in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Director
Kathryn Bigelow
Producer
Mark Boal, Kathryn Bigelow, Megan Ellison
Screenwriter
Mark Boal
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
First Light Production, Mark Boal, Annapurna Pictures
Rating
R (Language|Brutal Disturbing Images|Strong Violence)
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller, War
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 11, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 7, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$95.7M
Runtime
2h 37m
Sound Mix
Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital
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