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Drama

Chained for Life (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Chained for Life (2019) movie poster

Chained for Life is a 2019 drama directed by Aaron Schimberg, starring Jess Weixler as Mabel, Joanna Arnow and Adam Pearson. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and earned $17,431 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$17.4K
Echo Score
74
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Chained for Life (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Director
Aaron Schimberg
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Chained for Life About?

The premise of Chained for Life without spoilers.

An actress develops a surprising relationship with a young man who experiences social isolation due to a disfigurement. As they navigate their connection, they confront prejudice and explore themes of acceptance and the power of human connection, ultimately challenging societal perceptions and the difficulties of belonging.

Chained for Life Themes & Keywords

· 19 tags
  • filmmaking
  • male nudity
  • female nudity
  • male full frontal nudity
  • male pubic hair
  • female rear nudity
  • craniofacial abnormality
  • film within a film
  • hospital
  • acid thrown in face
  • surgery
  • plastic surgery
+7 more
  • juggling
  • serial killer
  • bandage over eyes
  • life
  • pubic hair
  • siamese twins
  • limo driver
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Cast & crew

Chained for Life Cast & Characters

Jess Weixler leads the cast as Mabel, with Joanna Arnow as Hospital Representative and Adam Pearson as Rosenthal. Directed by Aaron Schimberg; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Chained for Life

· 6 more
From the director

More from Aaron Schimberg

More films directed by Aaron Schimberg, best-rated first: A Different Man, Go Down Death and Late Spring/Regrets For Our Youth.

Full filmography
Ratings

Chained for Life Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Chained for Life 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

74 /100

Chained for Life Echo Score Breakdown

Chained for Life excels in its adventurous visual and conceptual approach but struggles with narrative consistency. Critics frequently applaud its precise yet experimental direction, noting a dreamlike, absurdist mood and assured construction. Viewers highlight striking cinematography and staging as clear strengths while sometimes finding the tone disorienting. Overall, the film’s inventive artistry leaves a compelling impression despite occasional pacing challenges.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    The film’s visual and directorial vision stands out as a primary strength. Critics commend the precise construction, experimental staging and confident execution that evoke a dreamlike absurdist mood. Viewers also praise the striking cinematography and thoughtful production design that enhance the satirical tone. In sum, Chained for Life offers consistently engaging craftsmanship in its art and craft.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    Performances deliver genuine charm and empathetic connection throughout most of the film. Critics highlight Weixler’s and Pearson’s natural rapport and nuanced screen presence as anchors for the story. Some viewers find the lead duo compelling and emotionally resonant, though a few note that certain character motivations feel underexplored. Overall, the acting provides sufficient warmth and depth to sustain viewer interest.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative’s originality is evident but it is hampered by uneven pacing and occasional confusion. Critics point to rambling digressions, sudden tonal shifts and a disjointed structure that both intrigue and unsettle. User feedback frequently describes the plot as aimless or hard to follow, while a minority appreciate its meta-fictional commentary. Consequently, engagement may vary depending on viewer tolerance for unconventional storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Chained for Life delivers a vivid and distinctive sensory experience from start to finish. Critics applaud its darkly humorous atmosphere, moody sound design and cohesive visual style that support the film’s playful tone. Viewers similarly remark on the gorgeous imagery, well-calibrated staging and effective use of score to amplify surreal moments. The result is a richly orchestrated audiovisual journey.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    The film offers moderate appeal for repeat viewings, especially among enthusiasts of meta-cinema and experimental satire. Critics note its layered jokes and cult-film potential that reward closer analysis. Some viewers, however, find the novelty wanes on subsequent watches, citing limited emotional payoff. In balance, Chained for Life possesses selective rewatch value for audiences drawn to its unique concept and style.

Box office

Chained for Life Box Office

Chained for Life grossed $17,431 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$17.4K

US & Canada
$17.4K
Videos

Chained for Life Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official UK Trailer
Cars

Cars in Chained for Life

33 cars on screen, including the 1968 Citroën DS 19 and the 1969 Peugeot 504 Coupé.

All 33 cars
  • 1968 Citroën DS 19 in Chained for Life 1968 Citroën DS 19 Important role
  • 1969 Peugeot 504 Coupé in Chained for Life 1969 Peugeot 504 Coupé Important role
  • Toyota Land Cruiser in Chained for Life Toyota Land Cruiser Important role
  • 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 in Chained for Life 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 Minor role
Details

Chained for Life Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “영원한 족쇄” and “Uwięzieni”.

Also known as
  • 영원한 족쇄
  • Uwięzieni
  • Обвързани до живот
  • 人生束缚

Seen Chained for Life?

FAQ

Chained for Life FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Chained for Life?

Chained for Life runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).

When was Chained for Life released?

Chained for Life was released on September 13, 2019.

Who directed Chained for Life?

Chained for Life was directed by Aaron Schimberg.

More films by Aaron Schimberg

Who is in the cast of Chained for Life?

Chained for Life stars Jess Weixler as Mabel, Joanna Arnow as Hospital Representative and Adam Pearson as Rosenthal, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Chained for Life make at the box office?

Chained for Life grossed $17,431 worldwide.

How is Chained for Life rated?

Chained for Life has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Does Chained for Life have a post-credit scene?

No. Chained for Life has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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