The Pelican Brief

Two Supreme Court justices die under suspicious circumstances, and a determined law student named Darby Shaw believes the deaths are connected by a broad pattern. She drafts a private brief presenting a theory about who orchestrated the murders and for what gain, then keeps it out of public view while she digs deeper. A tenacious journalist named Gray Grantham becomes aware of her work and suspects a deeper conspiracy involving powerful interests. As the duo follows a dangerous trail through law firms, politics, and backroom deals, they confront smear campaigns and threats. Darby must weigh up fame, safety, and the duty to expose the truth without tipping off those who pull the strings even as danger closes in around her.

Directed by Alan J. Pakula, The Pelican Brief adapts John Grisham's legal thriller for the screen with a taut, cinematic pace, delivering a story that blends courtroom intrigue with political suspense. The film pairs brisk dialogue with sharp procedural detail.

Worldwide, the film grossed $195,268,056 against a $45 million budget, marking a profitable return and establishing The Pelican Brief as a standout thriller of the mid 1990s that drew audiences in North America and overseas. It performed well worldwide too.

Critics welcomed the brisk pace and strong performances, especially Roberts as the tenacious Darby and Washington as the pragmatic ally Gray Grantham. The film interrogates power, press freedom, and the moral courage it takes to reveal corruption that reaches the highest echelons. They linger as a sense of caution today.

The Pelican Brief helped propel a wave of political legal thrillers in the 90s and reinforced Julia Roberts' star status after a string of high profile roles. It remains a reference point for stories about ordinary people facing elite level conspiracies. Its success helped shape audience expectations for legal thrillers.