Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama

16 Shots (2019): Cast & Ratings

16 Shots (2019) movie poster

16 Shots is a 2019 drama directed by Rick Rowley, starring Charlene Carruthers. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
Echo Score
80
Metascore
79
Loading streaming availability…
16 Shots (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 32m (92 min)
Director
Rick Rowley
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is 16 Shots About?

The premise of 16 Shots without spoilers.

Following the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, shot by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke, the city is consumed by anger and demands for answers. Initial justifications for the shooting are met with skepticism as journalists and activists work to reveal the full account of the incident. Their efforts ignite widespread protests and intense scrutiny, challenging the police department and threatening to expose systemic issues within the city.

16 Shots Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • police
  • 2010s
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

16 Shots Cast

Charlene Carruthers stars in 16 Shots. Directed by Rick Rowley.

From the director

More from Rick Rowley

More films directed by Rick Rowley, best-rated first: Dirty Wars, Critical Incident: Death at the Border, Michael Flynn’s Holy War and Kingdom of Silence.

Full filmography
Ratings

16 Shots Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave 16 Shots 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in story & flow (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

80 /100

16 Shots Echo Score Breakdown

As an impassioned documentary, 16 Shots effectively chronicles the aftermath of a pivotal event in Chicago history. Critics and audiences praise its disciplined structure for delivering a sobering exploration of systemic corruption and justice. Its editing sequences and strategic reveals maintain suspense throughout, while interviews and archival footage ground the narrative in real voices. Although some note that deeper personal context could enhance emotional impact, the film ultimately provides a compelling and informative viewing experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of cinematography and editing, 16 Shots exhibits a measured visual approach that prioritizes clarity over flourish. The film intercuts dashcam recordings, interviews, and archival material with purposeful pacing. Direction remains focused on narrative coherence rather than stylistic excess. Overall, the technical craft supports the documentary’s factual intensity and coherent presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to emotional resonance and character depth, 16 Shots delivers sobering impact through firsthand accounts and community testimony. Interview subjects convey genuine emotion, shaping audience empathy for those affected by the incident. While personal backgrounds are sometimes underexplored, the film maintains its focus on systemic issues. Ultimately, viewers gain a nuanced understanding of the human stakes at play.

  • Story & Flow 90

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, 16 Shots constructs a compelling narrative that balances informative context with suspenseful progression. The structured reveals and chronological framing guide viewers through the investigation, while occasional shifts in focus acknowledge broader systemic patterns. Although the reliance on familiar documentary conventions limits narrative surprise, the film sustains engagement through clear storytelling and purposeful momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In terms of sensory experience, 16 Shots employs a restrained soundtrack and unobtrusive sound design to underscore its documentary tone. The visual palette remains subdued, reflecting the sobering subject matter. Transitions between interview footage and archival clips are seamless, but the overall sensory approach favors informative clarity over audiovisual innovation. This restraint maintains focus on the subject.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    When it comes to replay value, 16 Shots offers moderate appeal for repeat viewings primarily for its archival discoveries and factual detail. The documentary’s straightforward structure leaves limited room for new revelations after a first watch, though viewers interested in systemic context may revisit specific segments. Overall, its lasting appeal lies in its informational value more than narrative surprises.

Videos

16 Shots Trailers & Videos

The trailer of 16 Shots.

16 Shots (2019) Official Trailer | SHOWTIME Documentary
Details

16 Shots Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “The Blue Wall” and “Sixteen Shots”.

Also known as
  • The Blue Wall
  • Sixteen Shots

Seen 16 Shots?

FAQ

16 Shots FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of 16 Shots, each answered in a sentence.

How long is 16 Shots?

16 Shots runs 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes).

When was 16 Shots released?

16 Shots was released on June 7, 2019.

Who directed 16 Shots?

16 Shots was directed by Rick Rowley.

More films by Rick Rowley

Who is in the cast of 16 Shots?

16 Shots stars Charlene Carruthers.

How is 16 Shots rated?

16 Shots has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79 on Metacritic and 56% on TMDB.

Does 16 Shots have a post-credit scene?

No. 16 Shots has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app