Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama

Amnesia (2017): Cast & Ratings

Amnesia (2017) movie poster

Amnesia is a 2017 drama directed by Barbet Schroeder, starring Bruno Ganz, Marthe Keller and Fermí Reixach. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes. Critics gave it 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.1/10.

IMDb rating
6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
81%
Echo Score
63
Metascore
59
Loading streaming availability…
Amnesia (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
Barbet Schroeder
Genre
Drama
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Amnesia About?

The premise of Amnesia without spoilers.

In 1990s Ibiza, aspiring DJ Jo seeks his big break at the Amnesia nightclub. He becomes captivated by Martha, a mysterious woman living a secluded life. Her past is shrouded in secrets, and her repressed passions are stirred by the pulsing rhythms of techno music. As Jo and Martha’s connection deepens, the music unlocks hidden truths and threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew about herself.

Amnesia Themes & Keywords

· 46 tags
  • german abroad
  • title appears in writing
  • sound recording
  • opening scene repeated later in film
  • vw beetle
  • aloe vera
  • sunset
  • war veteran
  • disc jockey
  • nightclub
  • cello
  • electronic music
+34 more
  • german language
  • language
  • sea
  • german
  • ibiza
  • paella
  • three generations
  • playing cello
  • audio tape
  • candle
  • oil lamp
  • fall of berlin wall
  • berlin wall
  • watching tv
  • reference to world war two
  • reference to the nazis
  • reference to nazi germany
  • reference to adolf hitler
  • tragic past
  • dark past
  • past
  • wine
  • cooking
  • fish
  • fishing
  • falling into water
  • rowboat
  • boat
  • herb
  • older woman younger man relationship
  • year 1990
  • told in flashback
  • one word title
  • title spoken by character
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Amnesia Cast

Bruno Ganz leads the cast, with Marthe Keller and Fermí Reixach. Directed by Barbet Schroeder; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Barbet Schroeder

More films directed by Barbet Schroeder, best-rated first: Reversal of Fortune, The Venerable W., Our Lady of the Assassins and Terror's Advocate.

Full filmography
Ratings

Amnesia Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Amnesia 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

63 /100

Amnesia Echo Score Breakdown

The film delivers a thoughtful exploration of memory and regret but is undermined by uneven pacing and occasional lapses in dramatic engagement. Critics note Barbet Schroeder’s personal approach lends sincerity and occasional moments of quiet insight, yet scenes often feel plodding and the narrative tension stalls. Praised for its nuanced performances and thematic depth, the film still struggles to cohere its ideas into a fully engaging experience. Overall, Amnesia offers reflective moments and strong emotional undercurrents, but its hesitations and pacing issues temper its lasting impact.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the direction exhibits a measured, personal tone that underscores the film’s meditation on memory. The visual approach remains understated, emphasizing simple compositions over dramatic flair, while production elements stay functional rather than evocative. Editing choices contribute to a deliberate pace that some find meditative and others find plodding. Ultimately, the film’s artistic style supports its reflective aims but lacks dynamic visual momentum.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads deliver earnest, nuanced performances that anchor the narrative. Martha’s portrayal conveys understated layers of regret, and the chemistry between the protagonists reinforces the film’s emotional core. However, occasional script limitations hinder deeper character revelations and leave certain relationships feeling underdeveloped. Overall, the performances are the film’s strongest asset.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents compelling themes of selective memory and personal reckoning but struggles with narrative momentum. The structure offers thoughtful vignettes rather than a cohesive plot, leading to moments of engagement interspersed with slower, plodding stretches. While original ideas surface, they do not always coalesce into a fully integrated narrative. As a result, the storytelling feels uneven and intermittently compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When considering the sensory experience, the soundtrack’s blend of techno and classical motifs underscores the thematic contrast between past and present. Sound design remains clear and unobtrusive, allowing musical elements to drive the film’s atmosphere. Visually, the style is restrained, favoring naturalistic lighting and modest production design over stylized flourishes. The overall sensory palette aligns with the film’s introspective tone, offering a quietly cohesive experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    For rewatch factor, the film’s contemplative moments offer occasional opportunities for deeper thematic appreciation. The nuanced performances and symbolic musical interplay invite reflection, yet the deliberately slow pacing and episodic structure can limit repeated viewing appeal. Without a driving narrative hook, subsequent viewings may accentuate plodding segments rather than enhance engagement. Therefore, the lasting appeal is moderate but constrained by its tempered pacing.

Seen Amnesia?

FAQ

Amnesia FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is Amnesia?

Amnesia runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Amnesia released?

Amnesia was released on July 21, 2017.

Who directed Amnesia?

Amnesia was directed by Barbet Schroeder.

More films by Barbet Schroeder

Who is in the cast of Amnesia?

Amnesia stars Bruno Ganz, Marthe Keller and Fermí Reixach, among 10 credited actors.

How is Amnesia rated?

Amnesia has 6.1/10 on IMDb, 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does Amnesia have a post-credit scene?

No. Amnesia has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Amnesia in?

The original language of Amnesia is French.

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