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Crime drama

Buoyancy (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Buoyancy (2020) movie poster

Buoyancy is a 2020 crime drama directed by Rodd Rathjen, starring Sarm Heng as Chakra, Mony Ros and Saichia Wongwirot. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $50,281 worldwide. It won 1 award from 1 nomination, including Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards 2019. Critics gave it 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 3.5/10.

IMDb rating
3.5/10
worldwide gross
$50.3K
award won
1
Echo Score
64
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Buoyancy (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Rodd Rathjen
Genres
Drama , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Buoyancy About?

The premise of Buoyancy without spoilers.

In rural Thailand, a restless 14-year-old named Chakra dreams of escaping his family’s farm. He travels to Bangkok, lured by the promise of a better life from a questionable broker. However, his hopes are dashed when he and another young person, Kea, find themselves entangled in a brutal system of exploitation and forced labor. They must confront the harsh realities of their situation and fight for their freedom from a ruthless underworld.

Buoyancy Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • submarine
  • student
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Cast & crew

Buoyancy Cast & Characters

Sarm Heng leads the cast as Chakra, with Mony Ros as Kea and Saichia Wongwirot. Directed by Rodd Rathjen; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Buoyancy

· 6 more
Ratings

Buoyancy Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Buoyancy 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 3.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 64/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in character & emotion (55).

64 /100

Buoyancy Echo Score Breakdown

Buoyancy presents a stark portrait of modern slavery through a bleak visual style and a relentless narrative pace. Critics acknowledge the film's technical rigor and political ambition, while audience reactions split between praise for its tension and criticism of its sluggish, repetitive storytelling. The resulting mixture of commendation for craft and disapproval of narrative execution yields 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 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates strong direction and striking cinematography, with critics noting its measured pacing and detailed production design. The visual portrayal of the sea and the worn wooden boat receive specific commendation. However, some reviewers cite uneven editing and a minimalist approach that limits narrative dynamism. Overall, the technical execution is solid, contributing positively to the viewing experience.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When evaluating character and emotion, performances are described as capable yet often one‑dimensional, with several critics pointing to underdeveloped psychological depth. Audience feedback frequently mentions hammy acting and lack of believable character motivation. While a few viewers appreciate the lead's portrayal, the consensus highlights insufficient emotional resonance and limited chemistry among the cast, resulting in a middling assessment.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story and flow receive mixed judgments; critics recognize a steady rhythm and purposeful grittiness, yet some note that personal narratives are undersold. User commentary ranges from describing the plot as bland and confusing to praising its tension and strong dialogues. The pacing is described as both gripping and tediously slow, leading to an overall moderate evaluation of narrative cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory experience is generally praised, with particular emphasis on the film's immersive sound design and evocative score. Critics highlight the gripping visuals and atmospheric tension created by the maritime setting. Viewer remarks echo this sentiment, noting the excellent score and striking cinematography, though occasional comments mention repetitive sensory cues. The consensus positions the sensory elements as a strength of the production.

  • Rewatch Factor 58

    Rewatch factor is contested; some reviewers find the film's relentless intensity and unresolved questions compelling for repeat viewings, while others deem its slow tempo and predictability a deterrent. Positive comments stress sustained tension and thematic depth, whereas negative feedback points to boredom and lack of engagement on subsequent watches. This balance results in a modest appraisal of lasting appeal.

Box office

Buoyancy Box Office

Buoyancy grossed $50,281 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$50.3K

International
$50.3K
Awards

Buoyancy Awards & Nominations

Buoyancy won 1 award from 1 nomination, including Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards 2019.

1 win1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Buoyancy Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Buoyancy.

Buoyancy | Trailer
Details

Buoyancy Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Na powierzchni” and “苦海浮生”.

Also known as
  • Na powierzchni
  • 苦海浮生
  • Freedom
  • Плавучесть
  • 浮力
  • Flutuação
  • 부력
  • 浮俘

Seen Buoyancy?

FAQ

Buoyancy FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

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

How long is Buoyancy?

Buoyancy runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Buoyancy released?

Buoyancy was released on September 11, 2020.

Who directed Buoyancy?

Buoyancy was directed by Rodd Rathjen.

More films by Rodd Rathjen

Who is in the cast of Buoyancy?

Buoyancy stars Sarm Heng as Chakra, Mony Ros as Kea and Saichia Wongwirot, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Buoyancy make at the box office?

Buoyancy grossed $50,281 worldwide.

How is Buoyancy rated?

Buoyancy has 3.5/10 on IMDb, 77 on Metacritic, 73% on TMDB and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd.

What awards did Buoyancy win?

Buoyancy won 1 award from 1 nomination, including Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards 2019.

Does Buoyancy have a post-credit scene?

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

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