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Music drama

Clouds (2020): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Clouds (2020) movie poster

Clouds is a 2020 music drama directed by Justin Baldoni, starring Summer H. Howell, Sabrina Carpenter and Tom Everett Scott. It runs 2 hours 1 minute. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
Echo Score
77
Metascore
55
Clouds (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 1m (121 min)
Director
Justin Baldoni
Genres
Drama , Music
Original language
English
Studio
Disney+
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Clouds About?

The premise of Clouds without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

When teenage musician Zach Sobiech is diagnosed with cancer, he and his best friend Sammy decide to record an album together. Their music unexpectedly gains popularity, creating a viral sensation. As Zach faces the challenges of his illness and the prospect of leaving behind his dream girl, Amy, he finds comfort and purpose in creating a lasting musical legacy with "Clouds," a deeply moving story about friendship, love, and embracing life's precious moments.

Clouds Themes & Keywords

· 13 tags
  • teenager
  • singing
  • high school
  • school
  • guitar
  • cancer
  • life
  • based on real people
  • friend
  • high school senior
  • song in title
  • minnesota
+1 more
  • based on true story
Where to watch

Where to Watch Clouds

Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Clouds Cast

Summer H. Howell leads the cast, with Sabrina Carpenter and Tom Everett Scott. Directed by Justin Baldoni; 11 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Clouds Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Clouds 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in sensory experience (82) and weakest in story & flow (68).

77 /100

Clouds Echo Score Breakdown

This film delivers a heartfelt tribute accompanied by confident visual and performative choices, although its narrative structure can feel uneven at times. Critics and audiences alike praise the inspired musical sequences and solid cinematography, noting the director’s emotional vision. However, the script’s occasional unresolved moments and abrupt tonal shifts temper the experience. The balance of authentic performances and uplifting score creates a generally moving viewing experience that, despite its flaws, resonates with its themes of youth, dreams, and resilience.

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 presents competent visual storytelling with some striking camera transitions and coherent production design. The cinematography earns praise for its smooth movement and subtle framing, while the editing maintains narrative clarity. Direction receives mixed reactions, balancing deliberate pacing against occasional pretentiousness. Overall, the visual execution provides a generally cohesive aesthetic that supports the film’s emotional tone.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from earnest and engaging performances that convey genuine warmth. The ensemble delivers moments of heartfelt connection, supported by nuanced acting that underscores the protagonist’s aspirations. Emotional beats resonate effectively, even if some sentiment feels contrived. Ultimately, the portrayals contribute a solid emotional core that enhances audience investment.

  • Story & Flow 68

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative offers a heartfelt true-life arc that underscores themes of ambition and loss. The pacing alternates between uplifting highs and unresolved moments, creating occasional narrative disjunction. While the plot’s sincerity bolsters engagement, some viewers find the transitions abrupt and the resolution incomplete. Overall, the storyline maintains interest but lacks consistent cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 82

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s musical selections and sound design stand out as strengths. The soundtrack integrates original songs that reinforce emotional moments, while ambient soundscapes create an immersive atmosphere. Visually, the color palette and styling maintain a cohesive tone, even if some sequences rely on familiar teen-drama motifs. Overall, the sensory elements enrich the narrative without overwhelming it.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers moments of genuine inspiration that invite a second viewing. The emotional journey and musical highlights maintain their impact on repeat watches. However, recurring shifts in tone and some predictable elements may lessen the impulse to revisit frequently. Overall, the film holds moderate replay value, driven primarily by its score and performances.

Plot

Clouds Plot Summary

What happens in Clouds from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the fall of 2012, Zach Sobiech, a high school student who is battling osteosarcoma, takes the stage at his school’s talent show to perform an acoustic version of Sexy and I Know It for a bemused crowd. His best friend, Sammy Brown [Summer H. Howell] conspires with him to write music, starting with a song they nickname Blueberries as a way to channel Zach’s hopes and fears into something that might outlive him. Despite the illness, Zach manages to work up the courage to ask out fellow student Amy Adamle [Sabrina Carpenter] for a picnicking date, but a sudden coughing fit lands him in the hospital with a collapsed lung.

Full summary

The whole story of Clouds, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Clouds Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Clouds.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Clouds?

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 type of cancer is the main character diagnosed with?

Cars

Cars in Clouds

14 cars on screen, including the 1998 Honda CR-V and the 2017 Nissan GT-R.

All 14 cars
  • 1998 Honda CR-V in Clouds 1998 Honda CR-V Important role
  • 2017 Nissan GT-R in Clouds 2017 Nissan GT-R Important role
  • 2013 Cadillac XTS Stretched Limousine in Clouds 2013 Cadillac XTS Stretched Limousine Minor role
  • 2006 Honda Civic in Clouds 2006 Honda Civic Minor role
Details

Clouds Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Nuvole” and “Облака”.

Also known as
  • Nuvole
  • Облака
  • 클라우즈
  • Chmury
  • Хмари
  • 云上情歌
  • עננים
  • Felhők
  • Debesys
  • Oblaka
  • クラウズ〜雲の彼方へ〜
  • Полети малко по-високо
+5 more
  • Oblaky
  • 生命的雲彩
  • Oblaki
  • ابرها
  • Облаци

Seen Clouds?

FAQ

Clouds FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Clouds, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Clouds?

Clouds runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).

When was Clouds released?

Clouds was released on October 16, 2020.

Who directed Clouds?

Clouds was directed by Justin Baldoni.

More films by Justin Baldoni

Who is in the cast of Clouds?

Clouds stars Summer H. Howell, Sabrina Carpenter and Tom Everett Scott, among 11 credited actors.

Where can I watch Clouds?

In the US, Clouds is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Clouds rated?

Clouds has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 82% on TMDB.

Does Clouds have a post-credit scene?

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

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