Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Crime thriller

Adverse (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Adverse (2021) movie poster

Adverse is a 2021 crime thriller starring Sean Astin, Mickey Rourke and Lou Diamond Phillips. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $15,443 worldwide. Critics gave it 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.2/10.

IMDb rating
4.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
75%
worldwide gross
$15.4K
Echo Score
66
Loading streaming availability…
Adverse (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Genres
Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Adverse About?

The premise of Adverse without spoilers.

To save his sister from a crippling debt and perilous circumstances, rideshare driver Ethan accepts a dangerous assignment: driving for the powerful crime boss Kaden. Thrust into a treacherous criminal underworld, Ethan’s initial search for answers quickly evolves into a quest for vengeance. He confronts Kaden's ruthless associates, leading to a final, deadly confrontation with the man who orchestrated his sister's disappearance and plunged their family into chaos.

Adverse Themes & Keywords

· 32 tags
  • debt
  • drug
  • cancer
  • revenge
  • brother sister relationship
  • overdose
  • crowbar
  • suicide
  • spaghetti
  • woman chased
  • cigarette smoking
  • vomiting in a car
+20 more
  • rideshare driver
  • drug dealer
  • abduction
  • neighbor neighbor relationship
  • death by drug overdose
  • murder by drug overdose
  • death of sister
  • shot in the arm
  • shot in the forehead
  • shot to death
  • execution
  • stutterer
  • bound and gagged
  • tire iron as a weapon
  • bludgeoned to death
  • written by director
  • writer director producer
  • warehouse
  • f word
  • vomiting
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Adverse Cast

Sean Astin leads the cast, with Mickey Rourke and Lou Diamond Phillips.

Ratings

Adverse Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Adverse 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

66 /100

Adverse Echo Score Breakdown

Adverse delivers a mixed visual and narrative experience that oscillates between underwhelming pacing and compelling character moments. The stripped-back visual aesthetic and measured direction earn praise for their understated approach, while some critics and viewers find the slow-burn structure lacking momentum. Performances by the leads generate genuine emotional engagement amid uneven plot development. The film’s sensory elements are often noted for their cohesive style, yet its replay value remains limited. Overall, Adverse leaves a moderate impression shaped by its contrasts.

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 art and craft, the film exhibits a restrained visual style that some find appealing while others regard as underdeveloped. Critics highlight the lo-fi aesthetic, stripped-back cinematography, and measured editing that contribute to a cohesive atmosphere. Conversely, a few viewers criticize the pacing and sense of visual stasis. This balance results in an art direction that is distinctive but not universally engaging.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    In terms of character and emotion, the cast delivers moments of genuine resonance amid uneven depth. Critics praise the lead performances for conveying nuanced grief and flawed humanity, particularly citing committed turns by the principal actors. However, some viewers find the portrayals flat and emotionally unengaging. The result is a character dimension that feels well-intentioned but inconsistently realized.

  • Story & Flow 55

    When it comes to story and flow, the narrative elicits a divided response between measured pacing and lack of cohesion. Some critics appreciate the familiar genre beats and slow-burning revelations, yet several reviewers describe the plot as aimless and predictable. Pacing is noted as both deliberate and lethargic, undermining engagement. Ultimately, the story achieves sporadic intrigue but struggles with consistent momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s auditory and visual textures are generally cohesive and purposefully muted. Critics commend the subdued soundtrack and ambient sound design that reinforce the neo-noir atmosphere, while some viewers find the audio mix lacking clarity in key sequences. The visual style is consistently restrained. Overall, the sensory elements contribute to atmosphere but occasionally falter in impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers limited appeal beyond the initial viewing. While some viewers note that slower revelations may reward repeat attention, many find the uneven pacing and modest character arcs reduce its long-term appeal. The minimalistic approach offers occasional insight but ultimately yields low replay value.

Box office

Adverse Box Office

Adverse grossed $15,443 worldwide. $12,589 came from the US and Canada and $2,854 (18%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$15.4K

US & Canada
$12.6K
International
$2.9K
US & Canada 82% Rest of the world 18%
Videos

Adverse Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Adverse.

Adverse – Arrives on DVD, Digital, and On Demand March 9th
Details

Adverse Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Неблагоприятный” and “Adverse – Zeit der Vergeltung”.

Also known as
  • Неблагоприятный
  • Adverse – Zeit der Vergeltung
  • 孤胆煞星
  • Злость
  • 라스트 드라이버
  • מסוכן
  • نامطلوب
  • Престъпен синдикат, გაბრაზება

Seen Adverse?

FAQ

Adverse FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Adverse, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Adverse?

Adverse runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Adverse released?

Adverse was released on February 12, 2021.

Who is in the cast of Adverse?

Adverse stars Sean Astin, Mickey Rourke and Lou Diamond Phillips, among 16 credited actors.

How much did Adverse make at the box office?

Adverse grossed $15,443 worldwide ($12,589 domestic, $2,854 international).

How is Adverse rated?

Adverse has 4.2/10 on IMDb, 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, 47% on TMDB and 2.7/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Adverse have a post-credit scene?

No. Adverse 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