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Horror film

Bliss (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Bliss (2019) movie poster

Bliss is a 2019 horror film directed by Joe Begos, starring George Wendt as Pops, Abraham Benrubi and Graham Skipper. It runs 1 hour 20 minutes. Critics gave it 27% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
27%
Echo Score
63
Metascore
53
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Bliss (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 20m (80 min)
Director
Joe Begos
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bliss About?

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

A Los Angeles artist struggling with burnout seeks inspiration through increasingly risky and substance-fueled experiences. As she pushes her boundaries, a disturbing and uncontrollable thirst for blood emerges, forcing her to confront a terrifying new reality and threatening to destroy everything she holds dear.

Bliss Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • alternative
  • mind bending
  • drug addiction
  • roller skating
  • domestic drama
  • psychological drama
  • feel good romance
  • surrealism
  • psychedelic therapy
  • 21st century
  • 2020s
  • woman
+2 more
  • love
  • divorce
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Cast & crew

Bliss Cast & Characters

George Wendt leads the cast as Pops, with Abraham Benrubi as Abe and Graham Skipper as Hadrian. Directed by Joe Begos; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bliss

· 6 more
From the director

More from Joe Begos

More films directed by Joe Begos, best-rated first: VFW, The Mind's Eye, Christmas Bloody Christmas and Almost Human.

Full filmography
Ratings

Bliss Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bliss 27% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (45).

63 /100

Bliss Echo Score Breakdown

Bliss presents a striking audiovisual approach that divides opinion through its intense stylistic choices and uneven narrative structure. While critics and viewers praise the film’s bold handheld camerawork and immersive sound design, many point to a disjointed plot and variable character development as significant drawbacks. The blend of strong performances and thematic ambition is hampered by heavy-handed scripting and unpredictable pacing. As a result, the film leaves a mixed impression characterized by potent atmosphere but limited cohesion.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of cinematography and editing, the film frequently employs handheld closeups and rapid montage to cultivate a hallucinatory intensity. Observers note that the jagged cuts and dynamic framing enhance the visceral impact, while others find these choices jarring and disorienting. The production design delivers a gritty realism, though occasionally the rough cutting undermines scene transitions. Overall, the visual approach is bold but uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, reactions are divided between moments of compelling performance and shallow development. Owen Wilson’s exploration of dramatic vulnerability is praised by some, yet the heavy-handed script limits sustained empathy. Supporting roles and familial dynamics occasionally achieve poignancy, but inconsistent motivators and abrupt shifts prevent deeper connection. In sum, the characters offer glimpses of resonance but lack consistent depth.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative frequently oscillates between intriguing concepts and perplexing developments. Viewers find the central premise of reality ambiguity compelling, yet many comment on uneven structure and abrupt shifts that hinder engagement. The unfolding twist is foreshadowed and sometimes predictable, reducing suspense. Overall, the storyline demonstrates originality in theme but struggles with clarity and sustained momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    When considering the sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and sound design receive consistent praise for their immersive qualities. The incorporation of heavy metal textures intensifies the mood, and the hallucinatory score underscores key sequences effectively. Visual style, including color contrasts and gritty textures, contributes to an enveloping atmosphere, though some find the extremes disorienting. Ultimately, the sensory elements create a strong impact despite occasional overload.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    In terms of replay value, opinions vary between appreciation for thematic depth and frustration over narrative confusion. A subset of viewers expresses interest in revisiting key motifs, while others dismiss the film as forgettable after a single viewing. The film’s intense style and hallucinatory pace may reward repeat viewings for some, yet the uneven cohesion limits broader rewatch appeal. In summary, the lasting appeal is selective rather than universal.

Plot

Bliss Plot Summary

What happens in Bliss from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Greg Wittle, played by Owen Wilson, finds himself in a monotonous routine filled with daydreams and artistic sketches during his work hours. After a life-altering event leads to his dismissal from the job, he experiences a series of vivid hallucinations wherein he imagines taking drastic actions against his boss, Bjorn, portrayed by Steve Zissis. Greg envisions hiding Bjorn’s body behind the office curtains, only to escape to a bar nearby for solace.

Full summary

The whole story of Bliss, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Bliss Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.

Official Tribeca Teaser
  • Trailer Official Movie Trailer
  • Clip That first taste |
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bliss?

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

Who plays the character Greg Wittle?

Details

Bliss Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Ekstaza” and “블리스”.

Also known as
  • Ekstaza
  • 블리스
  • Блаженство
  • 极乐
  • Boldogság
  • 極樂
  • BLISS ブリス

Seen Bliss?

FAQ

Bliss FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is Bliss?

Bliss runs 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes).

When was Bliss released?

Bliss was released on September 27, 2019.

Who directed Bliss?

Bliss was directed by Joe Begos.

More films by Joe Begos

Who is in the cast of Bliss?

Bliss stars George Wendt as Pops, Abraham Benrubi as Abe and Graham Skipper as Hadrian, among 10 credited actors.

How is Bliss rated?

Bliss has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic and 57% on TMDB.

Does Bliss have a post-credit scene?

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

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