Ammonite (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Ammonite is a 2020 biographical drama directed by Francis Lee, starring Kate Winslet as Mary, Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Jones. It runs 2 hours and earned $1.1 million worldwide on a $10 million budget. It earned 2 award nominations, including Studio or Independent – Comedy at the Artios Awards 2021. Critics gave it 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h (120 min)
- Director
- Francis Lee
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Gaga
- Budget
- $10M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Ammonite About?
The premise of Ammonite without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In 19th-century England, Mary Anning, a celebrated fossil hunter fallen into obscurity, struggles to find common fossils to support herself. Her quiet life is disrupted when a wealthy patron asks her to care for his ill wife, Charlotte Murchison. As Mary and Charlotte spend time together along the coastline, an unlikely connection develops between them, leading to a profound and transformative relationship that defies societal expectations.
Ammonite Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- lesbian romance
- female scientist
- lesbian sex
- female topless nudity
- lesbian cunnilingus
- female rear nudity
- female nudity
- pubic hair
- female full frontal nudity
- female orgasm
- sex
- rear nudity
+38 more Show fewer
- female frontal nudity
- orgasm
- female star appears nude
- lesbian relationship
- female female kiss
- male full frontal nudity
- male frontal nudity
- period drama
- based on real person
- written by director
- large breasts
- female pubic hair
- manic pixie dream lesbian
- cunnilingus
- f word
- male pubic hair
- woman undresses
- male nudity
- scientific discovery
- paleontologist
- scientist
- female protagonist
- friendship
- friendship between women
- mother daughter relationship
- figurine
- coughing blood
- british museum
- london england
- ex lover ex lover relationship
- recital
- cello
- cellist
- pianist
- digging in mud
- candle
- stone
- rock
Ammonite Cast & Characters
Kate Winslet leads the cast as Mary, with Saoirse Ronan as Charlotte Murchison and Gemma Jones as Molly Anning. Directed by Francis Lee; 13 actors are credited in all.
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Director Francis Lee
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Kate Winslet as Mary -
Saoirse Ronan as Charlotte Murchison -
Gemma Jones as Molly Anning - James McArdle as Roderick Murchison
Also Starring in Ammonite
· 9 more- Alec Secareanu Dr. Lieberson
- Fiona Shaw Elizabeth Philpot
- Liam Thomas Museum Workman
- Sarah White Museum Cleaning Woman
- Wendy Nottingham
- Claire Rushbrook Eleanor Butters
- Sam Parks Curator
- Max Dowler Party Guest
- Harvey Scrimshaw
Ammonite Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Ammonite 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).
Ammonite Echo Score Breakdown
The film’s primary strength lies in its performances and visual subtlety, though its narrative restraint limits broader engagement. Celebrated acting from the leads and refined cinematography contribute to an evocative period atmosphere. However, the slow pacing and sparse dialogue create distance that few viewers may bridge. On balance, the film offers a carefully crafted experience that resonates for some audiences but may feel elusive for others.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, the film presents an understated visual style, with naturalistic color palettes and detailed production design that evoke its seaside setting. Cinematography is consistently solid, capturing period elements with subtlety, though moments of restraint can feel overly quiet. Editing maintains measured pacing, enhancing atmosphere. Overall, the film’s art direction is refined, contributing a cohesive period aesthetic.
- Character & Emotion 78
When it comes to character and emotion, the performances of the two leads stand out for their nuance and depth. Wordless moments convey unspoken longing, and the actors’ portrayals imbue their roles with layered interiority. While some viewers found the emotional distance limiting, the film generally delivers empathetic characterizations. In sum, the acting and emotional resonance remain its most compelling assets.
- Story & Flow 55
In terms of story and flow, the narrative’s focus on mood and atmosphere yields moments of originality, particularly in its restrained approach. Yet the sparse dialogue and deliberate pacing lead to diminished plot engagement for some viewers. The historical framework offers context but seldom deepens the narrative arc. Altogether, the story strikes a mixed balance between contemplative resonance and occasional narrative opacity.
- Sensory Experience 70
Regarding the sensory experience, the soundtrack and ambient sound design craft an immersive coastal atmosphere, emphasizing natural textures over dramatic cues. The visual style remains cohesive, with an understated color palette and careful framing that support the film’s reflective tone. Though some may find the auditory minimalism isolating, these choices reinforce the film’s intimate aesthetic. Overall, the sensory elements are thoughtfully integrated.
- Rewatch Factor 60
For rewatch potential, the film’s strong performances and visual nuances reward repeat viewing, revealing subtle emotional beats and compositional details. However, its slow unfolding narrative and minimal dialogue may limit broader appeal on subsequent viewings. While enthusiasts of the genre may discover fresh layers, others might find the experience less engaging a second time. In all, the rewatch factor is moderate.
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IMDb 6.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 70% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 85%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 72 Metascore
User score 6.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
533 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Ammonite Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Ammonite from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the 1840s, the dedicated fossil collector and paleontologist Mary Anning supports her ailing mother, Molly Anning, while managing a small shop in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Every day, Mary explores the beach during low tide, on the hunt for fossils, with tiny ammonites being a frequent discovery. Upon returning home, she helps her mother wash and polish a set of eight delicate animal figurines.
Full summary
The whole story of Ammonite, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Ammonite Box Office & Budget
Ammonite grossed $1.1 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, 11% of what it cost. $160,930 came from the US and Canada and $948,357 (85%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$1.1M
11% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $160.9K
- International
- $948.4K
- Budget
- $10M
Ammonite Awards & Nominations
Ammonite earned 2 award nominations, including Studio or Independent – Comedy at the Artios Awards 2021. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.
2 nominations2 ceremonies
-
Artios Awards 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Studio or Independent – Comedy
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BAFTA 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Best Costume Design
Ammonite Trailers & Videos
13 videos: 5 trailers, 3 clips and 5 featurettes.
- Trailer Ammonite - Official Trailer - Coming Soon
- Trailer AMMONITE trailer | BFI London Film Festival 2020
- Trailer Ammonite - Official Trailer
- Trailer AMMONITE In My Dreams Trailer - Now Playing In Theaters and On Demand
How Well Do You Know Ammonite?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What profession does Mary Anning pursue?
Seen Ammonite?
Movies Like Ammonite
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Summer in February, Anne+ and Anne+: The Film.
Ammonite FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Ammonite, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Ammonite?
Ammonite runs 2 hours (120 minutes).
When was Ammonite released?
Ammonite was released on November 13, 2020.
Who directed Ammonite?
Ammonite was directed by Francis Lee.
More films by Francis Lee Who is in the cast of Ammonite?
Ammonite stars Kate Winslet as Mary, Saoirse Ronan as Charlotte Murchison and Gemma Jones as Molly Anning, among 13 credited actors.
How much did Ammonite make at the box office?
Ammonite grossed $1.1 million worldwide ($160,930 domestic, $948,357 international) on a budget of $10 million.
How is Ammonite rated?
Ammonite has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.
Was Ammonite nominated for any awards?
Ammonite received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.
Does Ammonite have a post-credit scene?
No. Ammonite has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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