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Crime thriller

Carolina Caroline (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Carolina Caroline (2026) movie poster

Carolina Caroline is a 2026 crime thriller directed by Adam Rehmeier, starring Samara Weaving as Caroline Daniels, Terry Quillen and Jon Gries. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes and earned $391,766 worldwide. Critics gave it 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
worldwide gross
$391.8K
Echo Score
75
Metascore
75
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Carolina Caroline (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Director
Adam Rehmeier
Genres
Crime , Drama , Romance , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Carolina Caroline About?

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

Caroline Daniels, desperate to leave her West Texas hometown, teams up with a charismatic con man and embarks on a romantic crime spree across the American South. As their confidence tricks turn into bold heists, she becomes a notorious bank robber, learning that the most convincing lie is the one she tells herself.

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Cast & crew

Carolina Caroline Cast & Characters

Samara Weaving leads the cast as Caroline Daniels, with Terry Quillen as Police officer, bar patron, airport traveler and Jon Gries. Directed by Adam Rehmeier; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Carolina Caroline

· 16 more
Ratings

Carolina Caroline Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Carolina Caroline 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (66).

75 /100

Carolina Caroline Echo Score Breakdown

Carolina Caroline delivers a modestly engaging experience that leans more positive than negative across its components. Critics praise its blend of romance and crime while users note solid performances and a nostalgic visual feel, though predictability and pacing hiccups temper enthusiasm. The film’s artistic craft, character work, and sensory choices generally impress, whereas the story and rewatch appeal show more reservation. Overall, the picture offers an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, ride that rewards attentive viewers.

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

  • Art & Craft 78

    The film’s art and craft are highlighted by a well‑executed visual style and competent editing. Critics commend the director’s blend of road‑movie buoyancy with crime‑caper urgency, and users note the 1970s‑inspired production design and slick cinematography. Some criticism focuses on an opening sequence that feels overly explanatory and occasional anachronistic set pieces. Nonetheless, the overall technical execution supports the narrative without major flaw.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    Character work emerges as a strong facet, anchored by Samara Weaving’s nuanced performance and palpable chemistry with Kyle Gallner. Reviewers repeatedly cite authentic emotional beats and a genuine on‑screen connection that drives the romance. While a few users find the character arc accelerated, the majority view the depth and interplay of the leads as compelling. The supporting cast, especially Kyra Sedgwick, also receives praise for adding texture.

  • Story & Flow 68

    The story intertwines familiar outlaw romance tropes with a road‑trip framework, yielding a mix of originality and predictability. Critics acknowledge the down‑to‑earth quality that differentiates it from genre classics, yet note a dogmatic opening that lessens surprise. Users echo this tension, praising strong pacing in later acts but criticizing an uneven first half and rapid character transformation. Consequently, the narrative engages but does not fully sustain momentum throughout.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory elements stand out, with a soundtrack rich in country‑music needle drops that reinforce setting, and a visual palette that evokes nostalgic Americana. Critics describe the look and feel as appealing, and users highlight the 1970s vibe and well‑placed musical cues. Minor drawbacks involve occasional visual overstatement, yet the overall auditory and visual cohesion enhances the film’s atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 66

    Rewatch potential is moderate; the film’s enjoyable tone and character chemistry invite repeat viewings, but its familiar plot and predictable beats limit lasting novelty. Critics note its affecting moments yet acknowledge a lack of surprise, while users describe it as entertaining but not groundbreaking. The sensory and performance strengths may entice a second watch, though narrative familiarity curtails broader replay appeal.

Plot

Carolina Caroline Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Carolina Caroline from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Caroline Daniels is a gas station attendant in rural Texas, growing up under the care of her father after her mother abandoned her as an infant. She carries the quiet ache of that history as she navigates a sun-baked world where life feels simple yet fragile. One day she meets Oliver, a charming con-artist who runs a short change scam on her employer. The chemistry between them is instant, and what starts as a reckless spark soon becomes a life-changing partnership. They fall in love, and Caroline agrees to travel with Oliver as they search for her mother, hoping to bridge a fractured family history that has haunted her for years.

Full summary

The whole story of Carolina Caroline, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Carolina Caroline Box Office

Carolina Caroline grossed $391,766 worldwide. $269,183 came from the US and Canada and $122,583 (31%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$391.8K

US & Canada
$269.2K
International
$122.6K
US & Canada 69% Rest of the world 31%
Videos

Carolina Caroline Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Carolina Caroline?

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 is Caroline Daniels' occupation at the start of the story?

Seen Carolina Caroline?

FAQ

Carolina Caroline FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Carolina Caroline?

Carolina Caroline runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was Carolina Caroline released?

Carolina Caroline was released on June 5, 2026.

Who directed Carolina Caroline?

Carolina Caroline was directed by Adam Rehmeier.

More films by Adam Rehmeier

Who is in the cast of Carolina Caroline?

Carolina Caroline stars Samara Weaving as Caroline Daniels, Terry Quillen as Police officer, bar patron, airport traveler and Jon Gries, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Carolina Caroline make at the box office?

Carolina Caroline grossed $391,766 worldwide ($269,183 domestic, $122,583 international).

How is Carolina Caroline rated?

Carolina Caroline has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 75 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Carolina Caroline have a post-credit scene?

No. Carolina Caroline has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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