Believer (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Believer is a 2018 music documentary directed by Don Argott, starring Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee and Wayne Sermon. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $39 million worldwide. Critics gave it 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 41m (101 min)
- Director
- Don Argott
- Genres
- Music , Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Home Box Office (HBO)
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Believer About?
The premise of Believer without spoilers.
Following Imagine Dragons' frontman Dan Reynolds’ personal journey with faith, this documentary explores the Mormon Church's stance on LGBTQ individuals. Reynolds investigates the conflict between religious beliefs and individual freedom, revealing a complex and often unsettling perspective on acceptance and belonging within the church.
Believer Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- gay rights
- gay
- gay teen
- homophobia
- gay mormon
- mormon
- antigay discrimination
- church of jesus christ of latter day saints
- gay interest
- gay friend
- gay character
- gay suicide
+38 more Show fewer
- gay son
- gay teenager
- gay man
- gay activism
- gay theme
- gay acceptance
- gay christian
- homosexuality and religion
- lgbt community
- musician
- singer
- husband wife relationship
- utah
- religion
- lesbian
- faith
- suicide
- teen suicide
- rock band
- activist
- activism
- bigotry
- music festival
- internalized homophobia
- religious homophobia
- mourning for son
- salt lake city utah
- provo utah
- new york city
- trevor project
- reference to imagine dragons
- lesbian daughter
- coming out
- mormon missionary
- mormon fundamentalist
- death of son
- glbt
- lgbt cinema
Believer Cast
Dan Reynolds leads the cast, with Ben McKee and Wayne Sermon. Directed by Don Argott; 7 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Don Argott
- Dan Reynolds as themselves
- Ben McKee as themselves
- Wayne Sermon as themselves
- Daniel Platzman as themselves
Also Starring in Believer
· 3 more- Savannah
- Aja Volkman Themselves
- Tyler Glenn Themselves
More from Don Argott
More films directed by Don Argott, best-rated first: DIO: Dreamers Never Die, As the Palaces Burn, Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time and The Art of the Steal.
Believer Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Believer 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).
Believer Echo Score Breakdown
Believer emerges as a resonant documentary that delivers a powerful advocacy message despite occasional stylistic limitations. Critics recognize its earnest support and important subject matter, while many audience members highlight its emotional impact and calls for social change. Although some note structural unevenness and restrained artistic flourish, the film consistently engages viewers with its candid interviews and focused intent. Overall, Believer stands as a moving and worthwhile work that effectively spotlights urgent issues.
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, Believer demonstrates competent direction and production design but rarely ventures into striking visual territory. Some sequences employ thoughtful framing and editing choices, yet the pacing can feel static in places. While the understated color palette and clean cuts support the subject matter, the overall cinematic execution remains serviceable rather than standout.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, Believer excels at forging a strong connection with both its central figure and those affected by church policy. Dan Reynolds’ candid engagement conveys genuine empathy, and personal testimonies from LGBTQ youth are presented with heartfelt clarity. The emotional resonance is heightened by measured sincerity throughout. This aspect emerges as one of the film’s greatest strengths.
- Story & Flow 75
In terms of story and flow, the documentary advances an earnest narrative that underscores its advocacy goals. The content moves steadily through key events and personal reflections, but intermittent forays into mundane detail can interrupt momentum. Viewers nonetheless gain a coherent understanding of the conflict and its stakes. Overall, the story effectively communicates urgency despite occasional structural lapses.
- Sensory Experience 80
When assessing the sensory experience, Believer employs music and sound design to reinforce its emotional core. Concert footage and score selections add dynamic energy, while a subdued visual style maintains focus on interview subjects. Audio clarity and mix quality are consistently strong. Although the sensory elements rarely overshadow the narrative, they work cohesively to enhance the film’s intimate tone.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Regarding rewatch factor, Believer offers moderate replay appeal for those interested in its subject matter and emotional highlights. Repeat viewings may reveal additional nuances in interview segments and deepen appreciation for its advocacy themes. However, the documentary’s documentary format and message-focused structure may limit broader replay value. Ultimately, rewatching is most rewarding for invested viewers seeking reinforcement of its core message.
-
IMDb 7.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 64% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 83%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
24 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Believer Box Office
Believer grossed $39 million worldwide. $365,639 came from the US and Canada and $38.7 million (99%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$39M
- US & Canada
- $365.6K
- International
- $38.7M
Believer Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Believer (2018) Official Trailer ft. Dan Reynolds | HBO
Cars in Believer
54 cars on screen, including the 2008 Hyundai e-Mighty and the 2016 BMW 740Ld G12.
-
2008 Hyundai e-Mighty Important role -
2016 BMW 740Ld G12 Minor role -
2015 Cadillac Escalade Minor role -
2011 Ford Explorer Minor role
Believer Also Known As
25 alternative titles, including “독전” and “Dok-jeon”.
- Also known as
-
- 독전
- Dok-jeon
- 信徒
- 毒战寒流
- 독전: 익스텐디드 컷
- 毒戦 BELIEVER
- 毒戦 BELIEVER:2018
- Believer (2018)
- Creyente
- Du Zhan
- Drug War Believer
- 毒戰
+13 more Show fewer
- 毒戰(2018)
- 毒战
- Dokjeon
- Kartel
- Убеден
- Сторонник
- معتقد
- A hívő
- Độc Chiến
- 毒戰寒流
- Vjernik
- Вірянин
- Veriaci
Seen Believer?
Movies Like Believer
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including 8: The Mormon Proposition, The Believer’s Heaven and Latter Days.
Believer FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Believer, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Believer?
Believer runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).
When was Believer released?
Believer was released on June 15, 2018.
Who directed Believer?
Believer was directed by Don Argott.
More films by Don Argott Who is in the cast of Believer?
Believer stars Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee and Wayne Sermon, among 7 credited actors.
How much did Believer make at the box office?
Believer grossed $39 million worldwide ($365,639 domestic, $38.7 million international).
How is Believer rated?
Believer has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Believer have a post-credit scene?
No. Believer has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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