Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama

Down with the King (2022): Cast & Ratings

Down with the King (2022) movie poster

Down with the King is a 2022 drama directed by Diego Ongaro, starring David Krumholtz as Paul, Sharon Washington and Jamie Neumann. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. It earned 1 award nomination, including Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2023. IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
award nomination
1
Echo Score
63
Loading streaming availability…
Down with the King (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Diego Ongaro
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Down with the King About?

The premise of Down with the King without spoilers.

Fleeing the pressures of fame, rapper Money Merc retreats to a rural farm in the Berkshires seeking inspiration and escape from city life. Trading the recording studio for farm work, he finds a sense of peace and solace. However, his manager Paul is determined to bring him back to the spotlight, creating a conflict that threatens Merc's newfound tranquility and forcing him to confront his desires for both artistic success and personal freedom.

Down with the King Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • rap
  • hip hop
  • massachusetts
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Down with the King Cast & Characters

David Krumholtz leads the cast as Paul, with Sharon Washington as Darlene and Jamie Neumann as Michaele. Directed by Diego Ongaro; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Down with the King

· 6 more
From the director

More from Diego Ongaro

One more film directed by Diego Ongaro: Bob and the Trees.

Full filmography
Ratings

Down with the King Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Down with the King 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

63 /100

Down with the King Echo Score Breakdown

Down with the King presents a contemplative study of an artist in crisis, offering moments of visual poise and nuanced performance alongside uneven narrative pacing. Critics commend its patient storytelling and the lead's credible portrayal, while audience reactions diverge between appreciation for its atmospheric tone and frustration over a meandering plot and ambiguous conclusion. The film’s artistic intentions resonate for some viewers, yet its structural laxity limits broader appeal, resulting in a moderately favorable overall impression.

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 and craft, the film demonstrates a measured visual style and competent cinematography that many reviewers found commendable. Critics highlighted the harmony between emotion and visuals, and several users praised the camera work and well‑executed scenes. However, occasional references to slow pacing and inconsistent editing temper the praise. Overall, the technical execution is solid, contributing positively to the film’s aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When evaluating character and emotion, the lead performance by Freddie Gibbs receives consistent acclaim for its authenticity and depth. Reviewers note practical, nuanced acting and effective chemistry among the cast. Some users, however, expressed a desire for greater character development and resolution. Despite these minor criticisms, the acting ensemble is broadly regarded as a strength that anchors the film’s thematic concerns.

  • Story & Flow 60

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative’s existential premise is praised for originality, yet the execution is often described as slow and confusing. Critics appreciate the deliberate pacing and thematic patience, while several users mention a lack of clear resolution and a meandering script. This mixed reception reflects a story that engages a niche audience but fails to maintain cohesive momentum for broader viewers.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In the sensory domain, the film’s visual composition is frequently highlighted as striking, with well‑crafted scenes and effective use of color. Sound design receives mixed remarks; some users cite poor audio clarity and enunciation, whereas others are indifferent to the soundtrack. The combined sensory experience is appreciable but uneven, contributing to an overall moderate rating for this aspect.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    Assessing rewatch factor, the film’s contemplative tone and thematic depth give it occasional replay value for viewers seeking reflective cinema. Nonetheless, many audience members describe it as boring, slow, and difficult to follow, reducing its appeal for repeat viewings. The limited narrative momentum and ambiguous ending lower its lasting allure, resulting in a modest rewatch score.

Awards

Down with the King Awards & Nominations

Down with the King earned 1 award nomination, including Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2023.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Down with the King Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 clips.

Official Trailer
  • Clip First 9 Minutes
  • Clip Clip - Something Different
Details

Down with the King Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “왕과 함께” and “Vesszen a király”.

Also known as
  • 왕과 함께
  • Vesszen a király
  • Un rapper in campagna
  • Abajo el Rey
  • ليسقط الملك
  • 击垮国王
  • Kralın Sonu
  • להיות עם המלך
  • Abaixo o Rei
  • Nost ar karali
  • Η Φυγή
  • ダウン・ウィズ・ザ・キング
+5 more
  • 王者出走
  • Za lepším světem
  • Król nie żyje
  • ดาวน์วิธเดอะคิง
  • Karaliaus pabaiga

Seen Down with the King?

FAQ

Down with the King FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Down with the King, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Down with the King?

Down with the King runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Down with the King released?

Down with the King was released on June 28, 2022.

Who directed Down with the King?

Down with the King was directed by Diego Ongaro.

More films by Diego Ongaro

Who is in the cast of Down with the King?

Down with the King stars David Krumholtz as Paul, Sharon Washington as Darlene and Jamie Neumann as Michaele, among 10 credited actors.

How is Down with the King rated?

Down with the King has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 58% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Down with the King nominated for any awards?

Down with the King received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Down with the King have a post-credit scene?

No. Down with the King has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app