Documentary

Charm City (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: Charm City
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2018-10-17
Duration: 1 h 48 min
Cast: Brandon Scott, Marisol Correa, Tia Latrell, Monique Brown, Clayton Gunton

Charm City is a 2018 documentary directed by Marilyn Ness, starring Brandon Scott, Marisol Correa and Tia Latrell. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $29,335 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.

IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
worldwide gross: $29.3K
Echo Score: 82

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Watch the trailer

Released: October 17, 2018
Runtime: 1h 48m (108 min)
Director: Marilyn Ness
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: PBS Distribution
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Charm City About?

The premise of Charm City without spoilers.

In Baltimore's tough neighborhoods, a cycle of violence and mistrust creates constant tension. Community leaders, dedicated law enforcement, and a young councilman work to break this pattern of bloodshed. The film captures three years of challenges, including the aftermath of Freddie Gray's death, offering a cinematic look at the city's resilience and the determination of those striving for change amidst difficult circumstances.

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Cast & crew

Charm City Cast & Characters

Brandon Scott leads the cast, with Marisol Correa as Patron and Tia Latrell as Neighborhood Patron. Directed by Marilyn Ness; 7 actors are credited in all.

Director Marilyn Ness

Brandon Scott as themselves
Marisol Correa as Patron
Tia Latrell as Neighborhood Patron
Monique Brown as themselves

Also Starring in Charm City

· 3 more

Ratings

Charm City Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Charm City 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

82 /100

Charm City Echo Score Breakdown

Charm City delivers a powerful and empathetic examination of urban life that balances hope and hardship. The film’s observational approach and deliberate pacing allow real individuals facing systemic challenges to emerge with nuance. Positive emotional engagement arises through intimate portrayals, while moments of bleakness underscore urgency. Across its structure, the documentary sustains focus without sensationalism. The result is a compelling non-fiction work that leaves a lasting impression through its measured yet affecting perspective.

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

Art & Craft 90

In terms of direction and cinematography, Charm City exhibits a cohesive and purposeful visual style. The fly-on-the-wall approach provides immediacy and authentic framing of subjects, while the deliberate composition supports narrative clarity. Editing choices maintain rhythm without overstating emotion. Overall, the craft elements converge to present a coherent and engaging observational film.
Character & Emotion 88

When it comes to character and emotion, the film excels in conveying the humanity of its subjects. The unobtrusive style allows individuals’ experiences to surface authentically, fostering emotional resonance. Viewers connect with moments of vulnerability and resilience without narrative contrivance. Character depth emerges through repeated interactions, yielding a nuanced portrayal that sustains empathic engagement throughout the runtime.
Story & Flow 80

In terms of story and flow, the documentary weaves disparate narratives into a cohesive thread marked by measured pacing. Plot coherence arises from thematic continuity rather than conventional structure, balancing scenes of challenge with moments of solidarity. Originality stems from unvarnished presentation of civic efforts. The pacing remains deliberate and engaging, sustaining viewer interest through varied perspectives.
Sensory Experience 75

When considering sensory experience, Charm City relies on ambient soundscapes and unembellished visuals to create immediacy. The naturalistic sound design foregrounds authentic environmental audio, while the subdued color palette reinforces documentary realism. Music is sparingly used, allowing scenes to resonate on their own terms. Together, these elements yield a raw yet cohesive sensory presentation.
Rewatch Factor 60

In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s unflinching portrayal of systemic challenges offers enduring relevance, though its heavy subject matter may limit repeat viewings. The observational approach reveals new nuances upon return, yet the stark realism can feel emotionally taxing. While the documentary maintains thematic depth, its intensity might deter frequent revisits despite lasting impact.