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Adventure horror film

Dead Ant (2019): Cast & Ratings

Dead Ant (2019) movie poster

Dead Ant is a 2019 adventure horror film directed by Ron Carlson, starring Sean Astin as Art, Tom Arnold and Jake Busey. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes. Critics gave it 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10.

IMDb rating
4.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
69%
Echo Score
61
Metascore
48
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Dead Ant (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 27m (87 min)
Director
Ron Carlson
Genres
Adventure , Horror , Comedy , Music
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dead Ant About?

The premise of Dead Ant without spoilers.

A struggling metal band sees a chance at a comeback with a performance at Coachella. After getting lost in the desert, their situation turns dire when they encounter a horde of monstrous, bloodthirsty ants. The band must fight for their survival, using their music to try and overcome the terrifying creatures and escape the harsh environment.

Dead Ant Themes & Keywords

· 24 tags
  • metal band
  • 1980s
  • giant ant
  • curse
  • native american
  • desert
  • drug trip
  • roadie
  • heavy metal musician
  • reference to coachella
  • monster movie
  • cgi monster
+12 more
  • female topless nudity
  • bouncing breasts
  • erect nipples
  • female rear nudity
  • nude running female
  • creature feature
  • female full frontal nudity
  • female nudity
  • outdoor nudity
  • female outdoor nudity
  • female pedal pumping
  • big cleavage
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Cast & crew

Dead Ant Cast & Characters

Sean Astin leads the cast as Art, with Tom Arnold as Danny and Jake Busey as Merrick. Directed by Ron Carlson; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Ron Carlson

More films directed by Ron Carlson: All American Christmas Carol and Midgets Vs Mascots.

Full filmography
Ratings

Dead Ant Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Dead Ant 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 61/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (45).

61 /100

Dead Ant Echo Score Breakdown

Dead Ant delivers a moderate blend of B-movie thrills and uneven execution. The production’s low-budget art direction and rapid pacing create an energetic backdrop, while committed lead performances inject moments of levity. However, a familiar creature-feature plot and sporadic humor undermine sustained engagement for some viewers. The vibrant soundtrack and occasional high points lend charm, but the overall experience remains a middling offering best suited to niche audiences.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art direction and craft, the film’s production design feels intentionally rough, but energetic editing and lively camera work help sustain momentum. Critics note cheap sets and undercooked visuals, while others appreciate the nimble pacing and unpolished charm. The knockabout tone offsets budget limitations. Despite occasional roughness, the artisanal approach contributes to its B-movie appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    In terms of character and emotional resonance, the cast commits fully to the film’s absurd premise, especially through a spirited lead performance. Observers highlight the main actor’s energetic engagement and the ensemble’s willingness to lean into broad comedic beats. However, uneven line delivery and superficial motivations limit deeper investment. Overall, the committed performances partially compensate for the thin emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative unfolds with brisk pacing but relies heavily on familiar creature-feature tropes. Commentary cites a thin plot framework that prioritizes spectacle over logical development, leading to occasional lulls in momentum. Enthusiastic moments of humor are undermined by predictable beats and minimal character stakes. Ultimately, the storyline offers intermittent thrills but lacks sustained originality.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When it comes to sensory experience, the soundtrack provides a spirited complement through hard-rock riffs and playful musical callbacks. Reviewers praise the energetic audio design, noting that the power-chord emphasis enhances comedic moments. On the visual side, the film’s gritty cinematography and practical effects reinforce its low-budget aesthetic, though lighting and sound mixing occasionally feel inconsistent. Overall, the auditory elements succeed where visuals falter.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    Regarding rewatch appeal, the film’s B-movie charm and metal-infused soundtrack may entice genre enthusiasts back to its zany premise. Some viewers enjoy rediscovering its broad humor and impromptu musical set pieces, even though the novelty fades after an initial viewing. Conversely, its simplistic structure and uneven comedy reduce long-term engagement. In summary, the appeal on repeat viewings is likely limited to niche tastes.

Cars

Cars in Dead Ant

8 cars on screen, including the 1989 Toyota Corolla and the unknown.

All 8 cars
  • 1989 Toyota Corolla in Dead Ant 1989 Toyota Corolla Important role
  • unknown in Dead Ant unknown Important role
  • 1964 Citroën Type HY in Dead Ant 1964 Citroën Type HY Minor role
  • Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 in Dead Ant Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Minor role
Details

Dead Ant Also Known As

Also known as “Fim da Linha”.

Also known as
  • Fim da Linha

Seen Dead Ant?

FAQ

Dead Ant FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Dead Ant, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dead Ant?

Dead Ant runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).

When was Dead Ant released?

Dead Ant was released on January 25, 2019.

Who directed Dead Ant?

Dead Ant was directed by Ron Carlson.

More films by Ron Carlson

Who is in the cast of Dead Ant?

Dead Ant stars Sean Astin as Art, Tom Arnold as Danny and Jake Busey as Merrick, among 10 credited actors.

How is Dead Ant rated?

Dead Ant has 4.9/10 on IMDb, 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, 48 on Metacritic and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Dead Ant have a post-credit scene?

No. Dead Ant has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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