Devo (2025): Cast & Ratings
Devo is a 2025 music documentary directed by Chris Smith, starring Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh and Robert Mothersbaugh. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Critics gave it 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Chris Smith
- Genres
- Documentary , Music
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- BMG
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Devo About?
The premise of Devo without spoilers.
Formed in 1973 as a reaction to the 1970 Kent State shootings, Devo built a philosophy of “de‑evolution,” using satirical lyrics, stark visuals and synth‑driven new‑wave sound. Their cult following surged with the 1980 MTV‑fueled hit “Whip It,” propelling the band toward mainstream recognition while delivering sharp social commentary.
Devo Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- performance art
- kent state massacre
- dadaism
- devolution
- reference to dennis hopper
- character appears on a magazine cover
- reference to the little rascals
- music video
- tour bus
- reference to melody makers
- reference to john lennon
- reference to iggy pop
+38 more Show fewer
- reference to andy warhol
- reference to charles manson
- 1970s
- nuclear explosion
- reference to john waters
- reference to mick jagger
- press conference
- wright brothers
- evolution
- reference to the martin luther king jr. assassination
- reference to mtv
- lawsuit
- hollywood california
- kent state university
- devo
- student protest
- wearing a human mask
- national guard
- recording contract
- reference to jack nicholson
- reference to debbie harry
- akron ohio
- recording studio
- anti war protest
- legally blind
- recording an album
- reference to the robert f. kennedy assassination
- reference to the vietnam war
- regression
- wearing a mask
- reference to the sex pistols
- evil corporation
- boy wearing glasses
- reference to the moon landing
- subversive
- concert debut
- cbgb
- reference to the john f. kennedy assassination
Devo Cast
Devo leads the cast, with Mark Mothersbaugh and Robert Mothersbaugh. Directed by Chris Smith; 5 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Chris Smith
- Devo as themselves
- Mark Mothersbaugh as themselves
- Robert Mothersbaugh as themselves
- Bob Casale as themselves
Also Starring in Devo
· 1 more- Gerald Casale Themselves
Devo Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Devo 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 55/100, strongest in art & craft (65) and weakest in character & emotion (45).
Devo Echo Score Breakdown
The film presents a highly stylistic collage that showcases inventive direction and a playful visual aesthetic, which many critics cite as its strongest element. However, the execution suffers from inconsistent acting and occasional visual obscurity, leading viewers to struggle with narrative clarity. While some audiences find the experience entertaining enough to revisit, the overall impression remains mixed, resulting in a moderate aggregate rating.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 65
In terms of direction and visual craft, the film displays a bold, collage‑driven style praised for its inventive editing and graphic contributions. Critics highlight the seamless integration of archival footage and animation, underscoring a strong artistic vision. Conversely, several viewers note issues with low lighting and visual clarity that detract from the overall polish. The net effect is a generally positive but uneven assessment of the film's art and craft.
- Character & Emotion 45
When evaluating performances, the acting and chemistry receive mixed feedback. Audience comments frequently describe the cast as lacking chemistry and delivering weak, at times atrocious, portrayals that undermine engagement. No significant critical praise addresses the performances, suggesting an overall perception of underdeveloped character work. This leads to a below‑average assessment of the character and emotional dimension of the film.
- Story & Flow 50
The narrative structure balances originality with occasional confusion. Critics commend the film’s inventive, Dada‑inspired storytelling and its playful pacing, noting a fresh approach to documentary form. In contrast, many viewers find the plot meandering, difficult to follow, and burdened by a lazy twist, which hampers cohesion. Consequently, the story receives an average rating reflecting both its creative ambition and its narrative shortcomings.
- Sensory Experience 55
Sensory elements such as sound design and visual style generate divergent reactions. Reviewers applaud the energetic soundtrack, eclectic audio collage, and distinctive visual motif that reinforce the film’s quirky tone. However, audience remarks about excessive loud noises, relentless screaming, and pervasive darkness indicate a sensory overload for some viewers. This blend of praise and criticism yields a moderately positive sensory score.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch potential is mixed but leans toward modest enthusiasm. Certain viewers report high enjoyment, citing memorable scares and a desire to revisit the film during future horror viewings. Others describe the experience as dull or overly chaotic, reducing its appeal for repeat viewings. Overall, the film possesses enough distinctive moments to encourage occasional rewatching, while its inconsistencies limit widespread repeatability.
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IMDb 7.6 /10
1824 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 80 Metascore
User score 7.5
See on Metacritic
Devo Also Known As
32 alternative titles, including “아이디어 오브 유” and “关于你的想法”.
- Also known as
-
- 아이디어 오브 유
- 关于你的想法
- 概念中的你
- 所有想法
- Als du mich sahst
- Sen İhtimali
- خیال تو
- خاطر تو
- Uma Ideia de Você
- 너란 개념
- L'Idée d'être avec toi
- La idea de tenerte
+20 more Show fewer
- Na samą myśl o Tobie
- 对你的想象
- فكرة وجودك
- Мысль о тебе
- 關於你的想法
- A rólad alkotott kép
- Думка про тебе
- ภาพฝัน ฉันกับเธอ
- アイデア・オブ・ユー ~大人の愛が叶うまで~
- Představa o tobě
- Ý Niệm Về Anh
- L'idea che ho di te
- Представата за теб
- הרעיון שהוא אתה
- Imaginar-te
- Mintis apie tave
- Misao o tebi
- Ideja o tebi, იდეა შენზე
- Идеја о теби
- Ideea de tine
Seen Devo?
Movies Like Devo
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Devo Live in the Land of the Rising Sun, DEVO The Complete Truth About De-Evolution and DEVO | Live 1980.
-
Devo Live in the Land of the Rising Sun 2004 -
DEVO The Complete Truth About De-Evolution 1993 -
DEVO | Live 1980 2005 -
Depeche Mode: 1983 “Teenagers Growing Up, Bad Government… and All That Stuff.” 2006 -
Urgh! A Music War 1981 -
Another State of Mind 1984 -
Depeche Mode 101 1989 -
Death Valley ’69 1986 -
Something’s Happening 1967 -
Depeche Mode: 1980–81 “Do We Really Have to Give Up Our Day Jobs?” 2006 -
Depeche Mode: Devotional 1993 -
It’s a Revolution Mother 1969
Articles About Devo
Our article about Devo: “Devo (2025) Review & Critics Opinions – Audience Reception, Performance & Storytelling”.
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Opinions
Devo FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Devo, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Devo?
Devo runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was Devo released?
Devo was released on August 19, 2025.
Who directed Devo?
Devo was directed by Chris Smith.
More films by Chris Smith Who is in the cast of Devo?
Devo stars Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh and Robert Mothersbaugh, among 5 credited actors.
How is Devo rated?
Devo has 7.6/10 on IMDb and 80 on Metacritic.
Does Devo have a post-credit scene?
No. Devo has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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