Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Biographical drama

Ammonite (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Ammonite (2020) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
70%
worldwide gross
$1.1M
award nominations
2
Loading streaming availability…
Ammonite (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h (120 min)
Director
Francis Lee
Genres
Biography , Drama , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
Gaga
Budget
$10M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Ammonite

· 9 more
Ratings

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).

70 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.1M

11% of its budget back

US & Canada
$160.9K
International
$948.4K
Budget
$10M
US & Canada 15% Rest of the world 85%
Awards

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

Videos

Ammonite Trailers & Videos

13 videos: 5 trailers, 3 clips and 5 featurettes.

All 13 videos
Ammonite - Official Trailer
  • 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
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What profession does Mary Anning pursue?

Seen Ammonite?

FAQ

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.

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