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Drama thriller

Cry Macho (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Cry Macho (2021) movie poster

Cry Macho is a 2021 drama thriller starring Clint Eastwood as Mike Milo, Dwight Yoakam and Eduardo Minett. It is partly based on Cry Macho by N. Richard Nash. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $16.5 million worldwide on a $33 million budget. Critics gave it 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
58%
worldwide gross
$16.5M
Echo Score
53
Cry Macho (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Western
Original language
English
Budget
$33M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Cry Macho About?

The premise of Cry Macho without spoilers, adapted from Cry Macho by N. Richard Nash. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In 1979, a former rodeo star and horse breeder agrees to help his old boss’s troubled teenage son, who has fled to Mexico. He journeys south to bring the young man back, facing dangerous landscapes and unexpected challenges along the way. During their perilous journey, the aging cowboy rediscovers his own sense of purpose and forms a profound, unexpected bond with the boy, ultimately changing both of their lives.

Cry Macho Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • kidnapping
  • neo western
  • rodeo star
  • contemporary western
  • modern western
  • 1970s
  • year 1978
  • cowboy
  • horse
  • journey
  • mexico
  • handgun
+38 more
  • gun
  • job
  • biracial child
  • running away from home
  • abusive mother
  • sign language
  • u.s. mexico border
  • pet rooster
  • cock fighting
  • stolen car
  • horse breaking
  • wild horse
  • absentee father
  • run off the road
  • gringo
  • rooster
  • on the run
  • bad mother
  • lying low
  • interracial relationship
  • ranch hand
  • mexico city
  • unsubtitled foreign language
  • animal name in title
  • goat
  • prayer before meal
  • coming of age drama
  • manhood
  • chauvinist
  • bravery
  • masculinity
  • mysoginist male
  • road movie
  • husband wife relationship
  • white savior
  • road trip adventure
  • boy
  • pay phone
Where to watch

Where to Watch Cry Macho

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

Cry Macho Cast & Characters

Clint Eastwood leads the cast as Mike Milo, with Dwight Yoakam as Howard Polk and Eduardo Minett as Rafo.

Also Starring in Cry Macho

· 10 more
Ratings

Cry Macho Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Cry Macho 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in art & craft (72) and weakest in rewatch factor (38).

53 /100

Cry Macho Echo Score Breakdown

Cry Macho presents a modestly crafted visual package anchored by Clint Eastwood's seasoned direction, yet it falters under uneven pacing and dated production values. Critics note occasional lyrical moments in cinematography, while many users cite a lack of narrative cohesion and aging performances that diminish impact. The film offers occasional charm through its scenery and a few grounded scenes, but overall the execution feels uneven and seldom compels repeat viewings.

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

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of art and craft, the film displays competent direction and occasional striking visuals, especially in its landscape shots. Critics commend the understated color palette and gentle pacing, but also point to intermittent slowness and a dated aesthetic. User feedback mirrors this split, praising some scenic compositions while criticizing uneven editing. The net impression is a solid but not exemplary technical execution.

  • Character & Emotion 48

    When it comes to character and emotion, Eastwood's presence provides a lingering sense of gravitas, yet many reviewers find the supporting cast underdeveloped. Critics describe the performances as sentimental but occasionally hokey, and users lament a lack of empathy and shallow dialogue. Some note a modest growth arc for the protagonists, but overall the character work feels inconsistent and fails to fully engage the audience.

  • Story & Flow 42

    The story and flow of Cry Macho are seen as uneven, with critics highlighting plot holes and a meandering narrative. Users frequently describe the pacing as boring and the plot as uninspired, noting that the film never quite coalesces into a compelling whole. While a few reviewers appreciate the fable‑like simplicity, the predominant sentiment is that the storyline lacks originality and sustained momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 64

    Sensory experience receives mixed but slightly positive feedback, with particular praise for the film's natural scenery and occasional well‑composed shots. Critics mention a modest soundtrack that supports the western mood, and users acknowledge enjoyable visual moments despite overall shortcomings. However, the sound design is not highlighted as a strength, and the sensory elements, while competent, do not elevate the film beyond its narrative limitations.

  • Rewatch Factor 38

    Rewatch factor is low, as both critics and users suggest limited appeal for subsequent viewings. Many reviewers find the film's charm insufficient to outweigh its pacing issues and dated feel, labeling it more of a curiosity than a repeatable experience. While a few note occasional endearing moments, the consensus is that the movie lacks lasting resonance and is unlikely to draw audiences back.

Plot

Cry Macho Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Cry Macho from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

By 1979, Mike Milo, played by Clint Eastwood, a former Texan rodeo star, finds himself retired from the sport due to a debilitating back injury. The following year, he is approached by his ex-boss, Howard Polk, portrayed by Dwight Yoakam, who requests Mike’s assistance in traveling to Mexico City to retrieve Howard’s estranged 13-year-old son, Rafo, played by Eduardo Minett. Howard explains that Rafo is living with his mother, Leta, played by Fernanda Urrejola, who is neglectful and allows him to be mistreated. With Howard barred from entering Mexico due to legal complications, he asks Mike to convince his son to return home. Mike, grateful for Howard’s previous support during his tough times, agrees to help.

Full summary

The whole story of Cry Macho, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Cry Macho Box Office & Budget

Cry Macho grossed $16.5 million worldwide on a $33 million budget, 50% of what it cost. $10.3 million came from the US and Canada and $6.2 million (38%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$16.5M

50% of its budget back

US & Canada
$10.3M
International
$6.2M
Budget
$33M
US & Canada 62% Rest of the world 38%
Videos

Cry Macho Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 2 behind-the-scenes videos.

Official Trailer
  • Clip Full Movie Preview
  • Behind the Scenes Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy
  • Behind the Scenes Macho & Mustangs Featurette
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Cry Macho?

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 the name of the main character played by Clint Eastwood?

Details

Cry Macho Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “צעקתו של מאצ'ו” and “哭泣的男人”.

Also known as
  • צעקתו של מאצ'ו
  • 哭泣的男人
  • 크라이 마초
  • Мужские слезы
  • Cry Macho : Le chemin de la rédemption
  • Cry Macho - Ritorno a casa
  • Cry Macho: O Caminho para a Redenção
  • Hassas Maço
  • Cry Macho – A hazaút
  • Чоловічі сльози
  • הדרך לגאולה
  • Плачи, мачо
+11 more
  • Какво означава да си добър човек
  • 贖罪之路
  • Cry Macho - A Redenção
  • Cry Macho: Drumul răscumpărării
  • Raudu mačo
  • Vyriškos ašaros
  • Pot pozabljenega junaka
  • صرخة بطل
  • คราย มาโช่
  • クライ・マッチョ
  • Správny chlap

Seen Cry Macho?

FAQ

Cry Macho FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Cry Macho, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Cry Macho?

Cry Macho runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was Cry Macho released?

Cry Macho was released on September 17, 2021.

Who is in the cast of Cry Macho?

Cry Macho stars Clint Eastwood as Mike Milo, Dwight Yoakam as Howard Polk and Eduardo Minett as Rafo, among 14 credited actors.

Where can I watch Cry Macho?

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

How much did Cry Macho make at the box office?

Cry Macho grossed $16.5 million worldwide ($10.3 million domestic, $6.2 million international) on a budget of $33 million.

How is Cry Macho rated?

Cry Macho has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Is Cry Macho based on a book?

Yes. Cry Macho is partly adapted from Cry Macho by N. Richard Nash.

Does Cry Macho have a post-credit scene?

No. Cry Macho has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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