Blueback (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Blueback is a 2023 family drama directed by Robert Connolly, starring Mia Wasikowska as Abby, Radha Mitchell and Ilsa Fogg. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $1.8 million worldwide. It earned 4 award nominations, including Best Costume Design at the AACTA Awards 2024. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic. Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 42m (102 min)
- Director
- Robert Connolly
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Quiver Distribution
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Blueback About?
The premise of Blueback without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Returning to her coastal hometown to care for her mother, marine biologist Abby confronts a complicated past and a deep connection to the ocean. As she tends to Dora, memories of their shared passion for the sea and a fight against environmental damage emerge. A unique bond with a rare blue groper sparks reflection on Abby's relationship with her mother and the urgent need to protect the fragile coral reefs they both hold dear.
Blueback Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- tattoo
- written by director
- written and directed by cast member
- father daughter relationship
- husband wife relationship
- motorcycle
- hospital
- immigration service
- robbery
- baby
- cancer
- airport
+38 more Show fewer
- adoption
- korean american
- deportation
- police
- theft
- court
- sacrifice
- color in title
- actor director writer
- directed by cast member
- united states of america
- tattooing
- pregnant wife
- ultrasonography
- police officer
- separated couple
- racism
- lawyer
- death
- courtroom
- father daughter separation
- husband wife separation
- inspired by a true story
- gun crime
- career criminal
- beating
- felony
- handcuffs
- pregnancy
- tattoo artist
- bayou
- louisiana
- stepfather stepdaughter relationship
- new orleans louisiana
- ice immigratuon and customs enforcement
- arrest
- violence
- biological father
Where to Watch Blueback
Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 13
Blueback Cast & Characters
Mia Wasikowska leads the cast as Abby, with Radha Mitchell as Dora and Ilsa Fogg as Teen Abby. Directed by Robert Connolly; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Robert Connolly
-
Mia Wasikowska as Abby -
Radha Mitchell as Dora - Ilsa Fogg as Teen Abby
-
Eric Bana as Macka
Also Starring in Blueback
· 6 more- Eddie Baroo Merv
- Albert Mwangi Gitundu
- Ariel Donoghue Young Abby
- Clarence Ryan Briggs
- Pedrea Jackson Teen Briggs
- Dean Kennedy
Blueback Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Blueback 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in story & flow (55).
Blueback Echo Score Breakdown
Blueback excels visually, offering striking underwater cinematography and evocative Australian landscapes that captivate viewers. Performances, particularly from Mia Wasikowska and supporting cast, are generally praised for conveying the film's environmental heart. However, the narrative is hampered by a loose structure, heavy reliance on flashbacks, and a script that many critics deem uneven, limiting its emotional impact. Consequently, the film delivers a memorable sensory experience but falls short of a fully cohesive storytelling achievement.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
The film’s art direction showcases breathtaking marine visuals and meticulous production design that highlight Western Australia’s coast. Critics repeatedly commend the jaw‑dropping underwater camerawork and vivid color palette, while a few note moments where the cinematography could have been more restrained. Users echo the appreciation for scenic beauty, though some mention technical unevenness. Overall, the artistic execution is solid with notable high points.
- Character & Emotion 78
Character work in Blueback is anchored by nuanced performances, especially the mother‑daughter dynamic between Wasikowska and Alexander. Reviewers describe the acting as solid and emotionally resonant, enhancing the environmental themes. Some criticism surfaces regarding underdeveloped secondary characters and occasional flatness, yet the core cast consistently receives commendation. The net impression is that character portrayals are a strong component of the film.
- Story & Flow 55
Narrative structure receives mixed feedback, with many pointing to a drifting plot hampered by excessive flashbacks and a script that feels clumsy. Critics label the screenplay as weak or soggy, while some viewers find the simple, heartfelt storyline effective. The pacing is described as patient yet uneven, resulting in a story that engages intermittently but lacks consistent drive.
- Sensory Experience 88
Sensory experience stands out as the film’s most praised element, with underwater photography described as exquisite and the visual style consistently lush. The sound design and musical underscoring complement the panoramic shots, creating an immersive atmosphere. Reviewers uniformly highlight the sensory richness, noting that it compensates for other shortcomings and leaves a lasting impression.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch value is moderate; the film’s environmental message and visual allure invite repeat viewings, especially for audiences interested in nature cinema. Some reviewers express nostalgia and emotional connection that encourage revisiting, while narrative weaknesses diminish repeat appeal for others. Overall, the movie offers enough memorable moments to warrant a second look, though it may not sustain long‑term engagement for all viewers.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 71% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 73%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 59 Metascore
User score 6.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 65% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.9 /5
6 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
Blueback Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Blueback from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Antonio LeBlanc is an adopted Korean American and tattoo artist navigating life outside New Orleans with his pregnant wife Kathy and her biological daughter, Jessie. Despite Kathy’s willingness to return to work as a rehabilitation nurse to help financially, Antonio struggles to find stable employment due to his criminal history. His life takes a turn for the worse when he endures multiple incidents of harassment from NOPD officers Ace and Denny. Compounding this, Denny is Jessie’s estranged biological father, leading to a violent arrest that lands Antonio in ICE custody. In a shocking twist, it’s discovered that his adoptive parents failed to naturalize him according to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, putting him at risk of deportation.
Full summary
The whole story of Blueback, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Blueback Box Office
Blueback grossed $1.8 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$1.8M
- International
- $1.8M
Blueback Awards & Nominations
Blueback earned 4 award nominations, including Best Costume Design at the AACTA Awards 2024.
4 nominations1 ceremony
-
AACTA Awards 2024 4 nominations- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Original Music Score
- Nominated Best Supporting Actor – Eric Bana
- Nominated Best Supporting Actress – Mia Wasikowska
Blueback Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Trailer Official UK Trailer
- Teaser Official Teaser Trailer
- Behind the Scenes Behind the Scenes
How Well Do You Know Blueback?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Antonio LeBlanc's profession?
Blueback Also Known As
13 alternative titles, including “안녕 블루백” and “ブルーバックあの海を見ていた”.
- Also known as
-
- 안녕 블루백
- ブルーバックあの海を見ていた
- Blueback - Eine tiefe Freundschaft
- 블루백
- Друг в океане
- Blueback : Une amitié sous-marine
- Nadando en libertad
- Modrous
- Blueback: Uma Amizade Profunda
- 蓝背鱼
- ים של זיכרונות
- Plavi kit
+1 more Show fewer
- Tajomstvo modrej zátoky
Seen Blueback?
Movies Like Blueback
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Blue Bayou, Into the Blue and The Girl with the Blue Backpack.
Blueback FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of Blueback, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Blueback?
Blueback runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).
When was Blueback released?
Blueback was released on March 2, 2023.
Who directed Blueback?
Blueback was directed by Robert Connolly.
More films by Robert Connolly Who is in the cast of Blueback?
Blueback stars Mia Wasikowska as Abby, Radha Mitchell as Dora and Ilsa Fogg as Teen Abby, among 10 credited actors.
Where can I watch Blueback?
In the US, Blueback is streaming on Amazon MX Player, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Blueback make at the box office?
Blueback grossed $1.8 million worldwide.
How is Blueback rated?
Blueback has 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic, 65% on TMDB and 2.9/5 on Letterboxd.
Was Blueback nominated for any awards?
Blueback received 4 nominations across 1 ceremony.
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