Dim the Fluorescents (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Dim the Fluorescents is a 2018 comedy drama directed by Daniel Warth, starring Brendan Hobin as Bradley, Anna Maguire and Clare McConnell. It runs 2 hours 8 minutes. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 8m (128 min)
- Director
- Daniel Warth
- Original language
-
English
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Dim the Fluorescents About?
The premise of Dim the Fluorescents without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Ambitious performers and writers find themselves navigating the compromises of a creative life, exchanging theatrical pursuits for the demands of corporate presentations. Trading the allure of the stage for the pressure of sales, they grapple with the challenge of reconciling artistic dreams with the realities of a world increasingly defined by corporate language. To succeed, they must confront the need to temper their passions and adapt to a modern landscape that often prioritizes practicality over artistic expression.
Dim the Fluorescents Themes & Keywords
· 19 tags- first time director
- playwright
- demonstration
- role playing demonstration
- corporate training
- audition
- strained friendship
- sorting receipts for tax
- brocken glass on floor
- one dialogue role
- crashing a party
- heated argument
+7 more Show fewer
- three word title
- sex in bed
- sleeplessness
- ditching a conference
- avoiding confrontation
- date in disguise
- independent film
Dim the Fluorescents Cast & Characters
Brendan Hobin leads the cast as Bradley, with Anna Maguire as Harriet and Clare McConnell as June. Directed by Daniel Warth; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Daniel Warth
- Brendan Hobin as Bradley
- Anna Maguire as Harriet
- Clare McConnell as June
- Todd Graham as Gary
Also Starring in Dim the Fluorescents
· 6 more- Claire Armstrong Audrey
- Andreana Callegarini-Gradzik Fiona
- Jocelyn Reynolds Photographer
- Laura Tanguay Casting Assistant
- Naomi Skwarna Lillian
- Thalia Kane
More from Daniel Warth
One more film directed by Daniel Warth: Untold Hours.
Dim the Fluorescents Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Dim the Fluorescents 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).
Dim the Fluorescents Echo Score Breakdown
In Dim the Fluorescents, engaging performances and dynamic visual style stand out but recurring narrative tangents and prolonged runtime undermine its momentum. Critics highlight the leads’ nuanced chemistry and genuine emotional interplay, alongside inventive camera movement that revitalizes indie conventions. However, the plot occasionally fragments into disparate subplots, leading to uneven pacing and coherence concerns over its two-hour duration. Overall, the film offers an appealing showcase of craft and character, tempered by structural unevenness.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of Art & Craft, the film delivers inventive cinematography and bold visual composition through its showy camera moves and theatrical aesthetics. Observers praise the framing choices that inject energy into static scenes, yet direction occasionally wanders amid assorted tangents, diluting focus. Production design remains cohesive with a restrained color palette, but editing allows superfluous content to linger. The result is visually engaging overall, though directional clarity wavers.
- Character & Emotion 90
In terms of Character & Emotion, the film is anchored by the leads’ compelling rapport and nuanced performances. Reviewers note the protagonists’ genuine chemistry and emotional authenticity, which lend depth to their artistic struggles. Dialogue and interactions are engaging, balancing earnest moments with understated humor. The supporting cast offers relatable flourishes, enriching the ensemble’s dynamic. Overall, character development emerges as the film’s most persuasive element, driving emotional resonance throughout.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative showcases inventive structural choices and a climactic set piece that coalesces earlier plotlines. Critics acknowledge moments of originality as characters deliver mini-performances. However, episodic tangents and extended runtime contribute to uneven pacing and occasional confusion in plot coherence. The film’s structural irregularity detracts from a consistently smooth narrative. Overall, story execution feels uneven.
- Sensory Experience 80
In terms of Sensory Experience, the film employs bold visual style and dynamic camera movement to offset the subdued norms of indie cinema. Reviewers praise its theatrical aesthetic and confident framing that enhance dramatic moments. Soundtrack and design details support the energetic tone, even if these elements remain secondary to visual flair. Overall, sensory elements are a notable strength.
- Rewatch Factor 55
In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s strengths in performance and visual inventiveness may inspire repeat viewing, yet its uneven pacing and episodic structure limit lasting appeal. While dedicated viewers might appreciate discovery of subtle thematic threads, the narrative’s tangential moments hinder a fully rewarding second experience. Overall, rewatch value is moderate but not compelling.
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IMDb 5.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 93% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 64%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 65 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 44% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.4 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Dim the Fluorescents Plot Summary
What happens in Dim the Fluorescents from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
This film unfolds a beautifully crafted, visually striking narrative centered around a bespectacled female scriptwriter and her complex, affectionate yet fraught relationship with a profoundly talented but emotionally troubled actress. As the story develops, we witness the internal struggles of the actress who grapples with her passions for acting, coupled with frustrations towards the character she has been assigned to play in the script penned by the writer. A pivotal scene looms ahead in the future, marked on their calendar, which ultimately holds the key to unraveling the intricate dynamics between the troubled actress and her creative counterpart.
Full summary
The whole story of Dim the Fluorescents, scene by scene
Dim the Fluorescents Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Dim the Fluorescents.
How Well Do You Know Dim the Fluorescents?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What profession does the main female character hold?
Dim the Fluorescents Also Known As
Also known as “灰暗之光”.
- Also known as
-
- 灰暗之光
Seen Dim the Fluorescents?
Movies Like Dim the Fluorescents
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Flirt, The Flute and Diamond Tongues.
Dim the Fluorescents FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Dim the Fluorescents, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Dim the Fluorescents?
Dim the Fluorescents runs 2 hours 8 minutes (128 minutes).
When was Dim the Fluorescents released?
Dim the Fluorescents was released on January 12, 2018.
Who directed Dim the Fluorescents?
Dim the Fluorescents was directed by Daniel Warth.
More films by Daniel Warth Who is in the cast of Dim the Fluorescents?
Dim the Fluorescents stars Brendan Hobin as Bradley, Anna Maguire as Harriet and Clare McConnell as June, among 10 credited actors.
How is Dim the Fluorescents rated?
Dim the Fluorescents has 5.6/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic and 44% on TMDB.
Does Dim the Fluorescents have a post-credit scene?
No. Dim the Fluorescents has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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