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Comedy drama

Cuties (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Cuties (2020) movie poster

Cuties is a 2020 comedy drama directed by Denny Shoopman and Maïmouna Doucouré, starring Maïmouna Gueye as Mariam, Demba Diaw and Myriam Hamma. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $692,459 worldwide on a $15,000 budget. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 1.5/10.

IMDb rating
1.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
worldwide gross
$692.5K
Echo Score
67
Cuties (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
French
Budget
$15K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Cuties About?

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

Amy, an eleven-year-old girl, is drawn into a vibrant and rebellious dance crew, disrupting her childhood and introducing her to a world of self-expression. As she explores the electrifying power of dance, she also navigates the complexities of friendship, adolescence, and discovering her own identity. The experience challenges her understanding of growing up and finding her voice.

Cuties Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • gay
  • teenager
Cast & crew

Cuties Cast & Characters

Maïmouna Gueye leads the cast as Mariam, with Demba Diaw as Ismaël and Myriam Hamma as Yasmine. Directed by Denny Shoopman and Maïmouna Doucouré; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Cuties Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Cuties 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 1.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

67 /100

Cuties Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Cuties presents a thought-provoking commentary on youthful agency that divides responses. While most critics commend its raw examination of early sexualization and applaud the director's sensitive approach, many viewers react negatively to its uncomfortable imagery and moral implications. The film’s impactful message is clear, but its execution remains polarizing. Overall, this tension results in a moderately positive impression tempered by ethical controversy.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Cuties exhibits confident direction and precise editing that underscore its thematic intent. The visual framing often emphasizes the contrast between childlike innocence and mature stylization, while production design remains unobtrusive to maintain focus. These choices deliver a cohesive aesthetic. Overall, the film’s craft effectively supports its narrative aims.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotion, Cuties presents nuanced performances that reflect genuine adolescent uncertainty. The central portrayal captures conflicting desires for acceptance and autonomy, and supporting roles reinforce the thematic stakes without distraction. Emotional resonance emerges from understated interactions and credible chemistry. Overall, the film creates authentic character depth.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Cuties offers a distinctive premise that interrogates social pressures on youth. Pacing varies with deliberate sequences designed to unsettle, although some narrative beats feel repetitive and raise questions without resolution. The engagement hinges on thematic intensity more than plot momentum. Overall, the film’s story is original but uneven in its progression.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When considering sensory experience, Cuties employs a restrained soundtrack and unobtrusive sound design that accentuate its contemplative tone. The visual style is marked by naturalistic lighting and measured color palettes, reinforcing the film’s tonal contrast. Occasional rhythmic editing heightens tension, though auditory cues largely remain subdued. Overall, the sensory elements are cohesive and purposeful.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch factor, Cuties may challenge repeated viewing due to its intense thematic focus and uncomfortable subject matter. The film’s confrontational approach prompts reflection but can diminish casual enjoyment on subsequent watches. While the message resonates, the persistent discomfort limits its replayability. Overall, the lasting appeal is moderate but constrained.

Plot

Cuties Plot Summary

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

Spoilers ahead

Amy, an 11-year-old girl hailing from Senegal, navigates her life in an apartment nestled within one of Paris’ most impoverished neighborhoods. Living with her mother, Mariam, and her two younger brothers—one of whom is Ismaël—her world is colored by the complexities of her family dynamics. Her heart simmers with rage towards her father, who is poised to bring home a second wife, a situation that exacerbates her frustration with the polygamous family structure. In addition, Amy finds herself at odds with the Islamic traditions that her aunt seeks to impose on her, leading to a brewing discontent that is palpable throughout her daily life.

Full summary

The whole story of Cuties, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Cuties Box Office & Budget

Cuties grossed $692,459 worldwide on a $15,000 budget, 46 times what it cost.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$692.5K

46× its budget

International
$692.5K
Budget
$15K
Videos

Cuties Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Cuties.

Cuties (2017) Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Cuties?

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 in 'Cuties'?

Details

Cuties Also Known As

Also known as “娇娃们”.

Also known as
  • 娇娃们

Seen Cuties?

FAQ

Cuties FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Cuties?

Cuties runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Cuties released?

Cuties was released on September 9, 2020.

Who directed Cuties?

Cuties was directed by Denny Shoopman and Maïmouna Doucouré.

Who is in the cast of Cuties?

Cuties stars Maïmouna Gueye as Mariam, Demba Diaw as Ismaël and Myriam Hamma as Yasmine, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Cuties make at the box office?

Cuties grossed $692,459 worldwide on a budget of $15,000.

How is Cuties rated?

Cuties has 1.5/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic and 35% on TMDB.

Does Cuties have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Cuties in?

The original language of Cuties is French.

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