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Sci-fi drama

Biosphere (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Biosphere (2023) movie poster

Biosphere is a 2023 sci-fi drama directed by Mel Eslyn, starring Mark Duplass as Billy and Sterling K. Brown. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes and earned $96,257 worldwide. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10.

IMDb rating
5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
80%
worldwide gross
$96.3K
Echo Score
47
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Biosphere (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
Mel Eslyn
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Mystery , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Biosphere About?

The premise of Biosphere without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In the aftermath of Earth's destruction, two individuals find themselves as the last people alive. They must adapt to a desolate and barren world, struggling to redefine their purpose and build a strong connection to ensure the continuation of humankind. Facing immense loneliness and the challenges of survival, they must discover if they can truly thrive in this new reality.

Biosphere Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • friendship
  • friendship between men
  • male male relationship
  • male bonding
  • biosphere
  • bio dome
  • directorial debut
  • one word title
  • apocalypse
  • post apocalypse
  • surrealism
  • hermaphroditism
+38 more
  • tracking shot
  • evolution
  • convergent evolution
  • fish
  • philosophical conversation
  • bowling ball
  • friend
  • dark comedy
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • co written by director
  • reference to goldie hawn
  • reference to yale university
  • scene before opening credits
  • jogging
  • exercise
  • playing a video game
  • black man
  • gay kiss
  • interracial friendship
  • masturbation
  • love between friends
  • best friends
  • reference to luigi
  • all male cast
  • homoerotic friendship
  • ex president
  • internalized homophobia
  • kiss
  • childhood friends
  • adaptation
  • homoerotism
  • male pregnancy
  • kissing while have sex
  • love
  • male protagonist
  • bromance
  • pregnancy
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Cast & crew

Biosphere Cast & Characters

Mark Duplass leads the cast as Billy, with Sterling K. Brown as Ray. Directed by Mel Eslyn.

Ratings

Biosphere Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Biosphere 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 47/100, strongest in character & emotion (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

47 /100

Biosphere Echo Score Breakdown

Biosphere elicits a polarized response, with critics noting competent direction and standout performances while many viewers condemn its thin narrative and ambiguous resolution. Praise centers on the film's production design and moments of philosophical dialogue, yet the lack of a clear plot undermines sustained engagement. This tension yields a modest overall rating that reflects both the film's creative ambition and its uneven execution.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from meticulous production design that convincingly constructs its sci‑fi environment, and the director's control over visual elements is evident. However, several reviewers point to uneven pacing and occasional lapses in editing that detract from the overall polish. Consequently, the craftsmanship is solid but not consistently refined.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads deliver nuanced performances, with particular commendation for the chemistry between Duplass and Brown. Their portrayals inject levity and depth into otherwise sparse dialogue. Nevertheless, critics observe that character arcs remain underdeveloped, limiting emotional resonance despite the actors' efforts.

  • Story & Flow 45

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative leans heavily on abstract concepts and philosophical exchanges, which some viewers find intriguing. Yet the plot lacks concrete progression, leaving key questions unanswered and the climax unsatisfying. The pacing serves the dialogue but does not compensate for the overall ambiguity, resulting in a mixed impression of the storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In the sensory domain, the film’s soundscape and visual style complement its low‑budget aesthetic, creating an immersive atmosphere. The understated color palette and precise sound design enhance the post‑apocalyptic mood. While effective, the sensory elements do not break new ground, positioning them as competent but not exceptional.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    Assessing rewatch factor, the movie offers moments that reward repeat viewings for fans of the genre, particularly its dialogue-driven scenes. However, the unresolved ending and repetitive discussions diminish its long‑term appeal for many, leading to a limited desire to revisit the film after an initial watch.

Plot

Biosphere Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Biosphere from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

After a global apocalypse has decimated the human population, the only survivors are two childhood friends: Billy, the former President of the United States, and Ray, a scientist who was once Billy’s adviser. Carrying the weight of guilt for his perceived role in causing the apocalypse, Billy and Ray find solace in a protective dome constructed by Ray that shields them from the harsh realities of the outside world. They maintain a modest fishpond, but unease sets in when the last surviving female fish dies, leaving them with only two male fish, one of which is showing signs of distress.

Full summary

The whole story of Biosphere, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Biosphere Box Office

Biosphere grossed $96,257 worldwide. $60,149 came from the US and Canada and $36,108 (38%) from the rest of the world.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$96.3K

US & Canada
$60.1K
International
$36.1K
US & Canada 62% Rest of the world 38%
Videos

Biosphere Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser Teaser Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Biosphere?

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 catastrophic event has devastated the world in the movie?

Details

Biosphere Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Биосфера” and “Biosfera”.

Also known as
  • Биосфера
  • Biosfera
  • Pod kopułą
  • 바이오스피어
  • 生物圈

Seen Biosphere?

FAQ

Biosphere FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Biosphere?

Biosphere runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was Biosphere released?

Biosphere was released on July 7, 2023.

Who directed Biosphere?

Biosphere was directed by Mel Eslyn.

Who is in the cast of Biosphere?

Biosphere stars Mark Duplass as Billy and Sterling K. Brown as Ray.

How much did Biosphere make at the box office?

Biosphere grossed $96,257 worldwide ($60,149 domestic, $36,108 international).

How is Biosphere rated?

Biosphere has 5.5/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic and 53% on TMDB.

Does Biosphere have a post-credit scene?

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

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