Drama

Colewell (2019): Cast & Ratings

Name: Colewell
Genre: Drama
Released: 2019-12-06
Duration: 1 h 19 min
Cast: Karen Allen, Kevin J. O'Connor, Hannah Gross, Tobias Segal, Catherine Kellner

Colewell is a 2019 drama directed by Tom Quinn, starring Karen Allen as Nora, Kevin J. O'Connor and Hannah Gross. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Female Lead at the Spirit Awards 2020. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

IMDb rating: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
award nomination: 1
Echo Score: 78

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Watch the trailer

Released: December 6, 2019
Runtime: 1h 19m (79 min)
Director: Tom Quinn
Genre: Drama
Original language: English
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Colewell About?

The premise of Colewell without spoilers.

As the beloved Colewell Post Office prepares to close, Nora finds herself at a crossroads. She grapples with the possibility of a fresh start while also cherishing the familiar warmth of her close-knit community. Faced with an uncertain future, she must decide whether to embrace change or hold onto the traditions and people she loves in this small town that has always been her home.

Colewell Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags

year 2011
post office

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Cast & crew

Colewell Cast & Characters

Karen Allen leads the cast as Nora, with Kevin J. O'Connor as Charles and Hannah Gross as Ella. Directed by Tom Quinn; 13 actors are credited in all.

Director Tom Quinn

Karen Allen as Nora
Kevin J. O'Connor as Charles
Hannah Gross as Ella
Tobias Segal as Andy

Also Starring in Colewell

· 9 more

Catherine Kellner Claire
Craig Walker Bob Susskind
Malachy Cleary Gray
Daniel Jenkins Al Catarro
Juney Smith Anthony- Delaney Postal Worker
Alyssa Bresnahan
Bonnie Klein Delores
Cathie Pauley Pete
Karl Barbee

From the director

Colewell Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Colewell 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

78 /100

Colewell Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Colewell distinguishes itself as a quietly potent character-driven drama anchored by a nuanced lead performance. Critics highlight the film’s serene cinematography and understated direction, while several viewers praise its thoughtful exploration of aging and transition. The deliberate pacing and minimalist narrative receive mixed reactions, with some finding the slow burn too sparse. Ultimately, the film offers a resonant yet restrained experience that will appeal primarily to reflective audiences.

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

Art & Craft 85

In terms of art and craft, Colewell presents a consistently restrained visual palette and measured composition. Critics note the finely crafted serenity and “quietly vivid” cinematography that mirror the protagonist’s subdued life. User reviews frequently mention the film’s beautiful imagery and clean production design. The overall impression is of an understated aesthetic that supports the story without drawing undue attention.
Character & Emotion 85

When it comes to character and emotion, the film is propelled by a nuanced central performance that vividly conveys Nora’s internal struggle. Reviews praise the lead actress’s expressive subtlety and emotional resonance, describing moments of profound, unexpected moving depth. Minor critiques point to occasional lapses in character reasonableness. Overall, the portrayal delivers consistently strong empathetic engagement.
Story & Flow 70

In terms of story and flow, Colewell unfolds as a deliberate character study with a contemplative pace. Many reviews commend its respectful restraint and poetic cohesion, noting a cumulative emotional impact. Others find the narrative underdeveloped in places and its slow burn at times overly reflective. The net effect is a modestly engaging plot suited to viewers valuing quiet, introspective drama.
Sensory Experience 65

When evaluating sensory experience, the film employs a sparse sound design and an unobtrusive musical score, reinforcing its meditative atmosphere. Visual style remains cohesive, with subdued color palettes and minimal stylistic flourishes observed by critics and viewers alike. The restrained audio-visual approach contributes to an immersive serenity, though it may offer limited sensory variety for audiences seeking dynamic or elaborate production elements.
Rewatch Factor 60

Regarding rewatch factor, reactions vary between lasting impression and limited replay value. Some reviewers reflect on the film’s poetic beauty and revisit its subtle emotional beats over time. In contrast, certain viewers describe the slow pace and minimal narrative twists as deterrents to repeated viewings. Overall, Colewell provides a moderate rewatch appeal primarily for those drawn to reflective, character-driven storytelling.