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Drama

Blast Beat (2021): Cast & Ratings

Blast Beat (2021) movie poster

Blast Beat is a 2021 drama directed by Esteban Arango, starring Mateo Arias as Carly, Daniel Dae Kim and Wilmer Valderrama. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes. Critics gave it 61% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.

IMDb rating
5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
61%
Echo Score
68
Metascore
53
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Blast Beat (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Director
Esteban Arango
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Blast Beat About?

The premise of Blast Beat without spoilers.

As the millennium approaches, two Colombian brothers, Carly and Mateo, leave their homeland and travel to the United States, hoping for a better life. Carly dreams of working for NASA, while their parents pursue their own version of the American Dream. However, the brothers experience a stark cultural shock and face shattered expectations as their ideals collide with the realities of their new surroundings. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of the immigrant experience.

Blast Beat Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • colombian
  • immigrant
  • american immigrant
  • metalhead
  • metal band
  • heavy metal
  • band
  • science prodigy
  • scientist
  • nasa
  • aerospace industry
  • american dream
+11 more
  • latin american
  • social circle
  • turn of the third millennium
  • immigrant experience
  • prodigy
  • end of the millennium
  • family relationships
  • american
  • brother
  • 1990s
  • struggle
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Cast & crew

Blast Beat Cast & Characters

Mateo Arias leads the cast as Carly, with Daniel Dae Kim as Dr. Michael Onitsuka and Wilmer Valderrama as Ernesto. Directed by Esteban Arango; 12 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Esteban Arango

One more film directed by Esteban Arango: Ponyboi.

Full filmography
Ratings

Blast Beat Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Blast Beat 61% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

68 /100

Blast Beat Echo Score Breakdown

Blast Beat presents a heartfelt exploration of the immigrant experience that resonates through its earnest storytelling and distinct metal-infused backdrop. While the film earns commendation for its compelling performances and a daring artistic vision, inconsistencies in narrative cohesion and pacing temper its impact. The mixed critical response reflects both the film’s notable strengths and its structural shortcomings, resulting in a moderately favorable overall impression.

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 direction and visual craft, the film alternates between striking moments and uneven execution. Critics note an initial aesthetic vigor that wanes, with some praising its raw, immersive style while others point to flat energy and a rushed finish. Consequently, the artistic component delivers a mixed yet appreciable impression.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    The performances anchor the film, with the brothers delivering nuanced, emotionally resonant portrayals that illuminate familial tension. Reviewers highlight the sincerity of the character dynamics, citing a three-dimensional depiction of the immigrant experience, though some observe a lack of deeper nuance in broader context. Overall, the character work stands out as a strong element of the picture.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Narratively, the film wrestles with originality but leans on familiar genre tropes that dilute its impact. Critics point to an over‑crowded script, uneven pacing, and a rushed conclusion that hinder cohesion, while acknowledging occasional genuine moments of truth. The storytelling thus feels uneven, limiting its overall effectiveness.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    The sensory layer blends heavy‑metal music with the film’s visual palette, creating a distinctive yet sometimes discordant atmosphere. Reviewers commend the soundtrack’s integration as a bold choice, though its intensity can clash with quieter scenes, leading to tonal imbalance. Nevertheless, the auditory‑visual fusion adds a memorable texture to the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Replay value hinges on the film’s emotional core and unique cultural lens, which some viewers find compelling enough for repeat viewings. Yet the uneven plot and occasional pacing issues diminish its lingering appeal, prompting mixed feelings about revisiting. Consequently, the movie offers moderate rewatch potential, appealing primarily to audiences drawn to its thematic depth.

Videos

Blast Beat Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Blast Beat.

Blast Beat | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainment
Details

Blast Beat Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “Bestio, bestio” and “狂野之兽”.

Also known as
  • Bestio, bestio
  • 狂野之兽
  • Зверь зверь
  • 비스트 비스트

Seen Blast Beat?

FAQ

Blast Beat FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is Blast Beat?

Blast Beat runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was Blast Beat released?

Blast Beat was released on May 21, 2021.

Who directed Blast Beat?

Blast Beat was directed by Esteban Arango.

More films by Esteban Arango

Who is in the cast of Blast Beat?

Blast Beat stars Mateo Arias as Carly, Daniel Dae Kim as Dr. Michael Onitsuka and Wilmer Valderrama as Ernesto, among 12 credited actors.

How is Blast Beat rated?

Blast Beat has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 61% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Blast Beat have a post-credit scene?

No. Blast Beat has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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