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Documentary

Belly of the Beast (2020): Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Belly of the Beast (2020) movie poster

Belly of the Beast is a 2020 documentary directed by Erika Cohn. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes and earned $13,517 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 8.4/10.

IMDb rating
8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$13.5K
Echo Score
84
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Belly of the Beast (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 22m (82 min)
Director
Erika Cohn
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Belly of the Beast About?

The premise of Belly of the Beast without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This documentary explores a disturbing case of medical malpractice and the subsequent fight for justice. It centers on Kelli Dillon, a former inmate who underwent a controversial and unauthorized hysterectomy performed by doctors. The film examines the events surrounding the procedure and the repercussions that followed, raising questions about medical ethics and the treatment of incarcerated individuals.

Belly of the Beast Themes & Keywords

· 42 tags
  • atlantis
  • bohemian grove
  • freemasonry
  • globalism
  • magic
  • new world order
  • occult
  • reference to aleister crowley
  • reference to the bible
  • reference to the egyptian god osiris
  • secret society
  • prophecy
+30 more
  • antichrist
  • deep state
  • luciferianism
  • numerology
  • oligarchy
  • one world government
  • reference to john whiteside jack parsons
  • reference to l. ron hubbard
  • reference to manly palmer hall
  • religion
  • secret ritual
  • spirit cooking
  • symbolism
  • united world federalists
  • do what thou wilt
  • 9 11
  • september 11
  • kabbalah
  • practical kabbalah
  • reference to the kabbalah
  • occult crime
  • occult ritual
  • leaked email
  • earth day
  • twin towers destroyed
  • twin towers
  • christianity
  • clinton family
  • christian film
  • religion and spirituality documentary
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Crew

The Director of Belly of the Beast

Directed by Erika Cohn.

From the director

More from Erika Cohn

One more film directed by Erika Cohn: The Judge.

Full filmography
Ratings

Belly of the Beast Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Belly of the Beast 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 8.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 84/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

84 /100

Belly of the Beast Echo Score Breakdown

The film delivers a compelling examination of forced sterilization with rigorous research and engaging visual storytelling. It balances historical context and personal narratives to highlight systemic injustice. The 82-minute runtime maintains a measured pacing that sustains engagement, though a key question remains unanswered. Ultimately, the documentary presents a coherent and emotionally striking case that underscores its social relevance and enduring impact.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary employs striking visual contrasts and disciplined framing to reinforce its themes. Expansive shots of open fields are juxtaposed with confined prison interiors, creating a measured visual language. The direction maintains clarity throughout, and editing choices ensure a coherent flow. Overall, the film’s visual design and compositional approach enhance its narrative purpose.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film centers on the voices of women affected by forced sterilization, giving them clear agency. Interviews are edited to preserve authenticity, and the narrative grants space for personal testimony that elicits empathy. The absence of dramatization allows for raw emotional resonance. In sum, the documentary’s focus on firsthand accounts delivers a potent and sincere emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary presents a clear chronological framework that guides viewers through legal and social dimensions. The pacing remains consistent over its 82-minute runtime, integrating contextual background with case studies without deviation. A minor gap appears in addressing a lingering legal question, but the overall structure maintains engagement. Thus, the narrative is both informative and tightly organized.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Regarding sensory experience, the film combines a restrained musical score with natural soundscapes to complement its visual style. Sound design places emphasis on ambient prison noises and subdued underscoring, reinforcing the documentary’s tone without distraction. Visually, the use of light and color contrasts supports thematic contrasts between freedom and confinement. Collectively, these elements produce an immersive yet unobtrusive sensory presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    When evaluating rewatch factor, the film’s rigorous evidence and thematic depth encourage reflection on systemic issues. Its concise runtime and measured pacing may reward a second viewing by revealing subtle visual motifs and narrative nuances. However, the weighty subject matter may limit casual revisitability for some audiences. Overall, the documentary offers lasting appeal primarily for viewers interested in social justice and historical inquiry.

Plot

Belly of the Beast Plot Summary

What happens in Belly of the Beast from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ten years prior, CIA agent Jake Hopper found himself stationed in Thailand, where a violent clash with thugs led to his partner, Sunti, narrowly escaping, albeit after an unfortunate incident that resulted in a woman’s death. This tragic turning point prompted Jake to leave the CIA and return to the United States following the death of his wife, while Sunti chose the path of a Buddhist monk to seek redemption for his past. Fast forward to the present, Jake has successfully transitioned into a businessman who runs a private security firm, all while nurturing his now-adult daughter, Jessica.

Full summary

The whole story of Belly of the Beast, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Belly of the Beast Box Office

Belly of the Beast grossed $13,517 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$13.5K

International
$13.5K
Videos

Belly of the Beast Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Belly of the Beast.

BELLY OF THE BEAST Documentary Film Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Belly of the Beast?

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 is Jake Hopper's profession?

Seen Belly of the Beast?

FAQ

Belly of the Beast FAQ: Box Office, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Belly of the Beast, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Belly of the Beast?

Belly of the Beast runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).

When was Belly of the Beast released?

Belly of the Beast was released on October 16, 2020.

Who directed Belly of the Beast?

Belly of the Beast was directed by Erika Cohn.

More films by Erika Cohn

How much did Belly of the Beast make at the box office?

Belly of the Beast grossed $13,517 worldwide.

How is Belly of the Beast rated?

Belly of the Beast has 8.4/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67% on TMDB.

Does Belly of the Beast have a post-credit scene?

No. Belly of the Beast has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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