State of Play is a 2009 political thriller directed by Kevin Macdonald, based on the 2003 British TV serial of the same name. The film stars Russell Crowe as journalist Cal McAffrey, who investigates the suspicious death of Sonia Baker, the aide and mistress of Congressman Stephen Collins (played by Ben Affleck). As Cal digs deeper, he uncovers a complex conspiracy involving PointCorp, a private defense contractor, and the privatization of American Homeland Security, while also exploring the tangled relationship between politicians and the press. The supporting cast includes Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, and Jason Bateman. Released in North America on April 17, 2009, by Universal Pictures, the film received generally positive reviews and grossed $88 million worldwide, with Macdonald drawing inspiration from 1970s cinema for its gritty, investigative tone.