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Sci-fi documentary

Dry Ground Burning (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Dry Ground Burning (2023) movie poster

Dry Ground Burning is a 2023 sci-fi documentary directed by Adirley Queirós and Joana Pimenta, starring Gleide Firmino, Andreia Vieira and Débora Alencar. It runs 2 hours 33 minutes and earned $2,197 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic. Rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$2.2K
Echo Score
85
Metascore
84
Dry Ground Burning (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 33m (153 min)
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Crime , Documentary
Original language
Portuguese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dry Ground Burning About?

The premise of Dry Ground Burning without spoilers.

Within the Sol Nascente favela of Brasilia, Léa is released from prison and seeks to reconnect with her half-sister, Chitara. Chitara leads an all-female gang that illegally extracts oil from underground pipelines, providing fuel for a clandestine network of motorcyclists. Operating under the shadow of Jair Bolsonaro's government, the gang’s actions represent a defiant act of resistance, offering a sense of community and belonging for former prisoners and those living on the margins of society.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Dry Ground Burning

Rent or buy it from Amazon Video. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Dry Ground Burning Cast

Gleide Firmino leads the cast, with Andreia Vieira and Débora Alencar. Directed by Adirley Queirós and Joana Pimenta; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Dry Ground Burning

· 1 more
Ratings

Dry Ground Burning Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Dry Ground Burning 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (73).

85 /100

Dry Ground Burning Echo Score Breakdown

Dry Ground Burning presents a bold, hybrid vision that resonates strongly with art‑house audiences while dividing casual viewers. Critics commend its inventive cinematography, layered social commentary, and daring blend of documentary with genre elements, whereas a segment of viewers find its pacing sluggish and its narrative underdeveloped. The film’s visual and thematic ambition yields a compelling, if polarizing, experience that rewards attentive viewing.

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

  • Art & Craft 92

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film is praised for its inventive long takes, deliberate pacing, and striking visual composition that forge a distinctive cinematic language. Critics highlight the seamless integration of fictional and documentary aesthetics, while the sole negative view notes occasional empty sequences. Overall, the craftsmanship stands out as a major strength.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When evaluating character depth, reviewers note the empowered portrayal of Brazilian women and nuanced performances that convey resilience without self‑pity. Some criticism points to occasional one‑dimensional supporting roles and dialogue that feels forced. Despite these issues, the central figures provide sufficient emotional resonance to support the film’s thematic goals.

  • Story & Flow 80

    The narrative is recognized for its ambitious fusion of post‑apocalyptic sci‑fi, musical comedy, and documentary strands, delivering an original and socially charged plot. Critics commend its layered social commentary, while a viewer describes the storyline as overly long and at times unfocused. Nevertheless, the story’s complexity and daring structure are largely viewed as effective.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    Sensory experience receives strong commendation for its immersive soundscape, lo‑fi aesthetic, and evocative visual style that transports audiences into a seldom‑seen Brazil. Reviewers describe the audiovisual approach as mesmerizing and galvanizing. The only dissent notes a lack of purposeful contemplative moments, but overall the sensory design is deemed a central achievement.

  • Rewatch Factor 73

    Rewatch potential is considered solid for viewers who appreciate experimental, genre‑blending cinema, with critics labeling the film a must‑see for art‑house enthusiasts. Conversely, a negative viewer finds the length and pacing diminish repeat appeal. The aggregate impression suggests the film rewards multiple viewings for a niche audience, though it may not sustain broad repeat interest.

Box office

Dry Ground Burning Box Office

Dry Ground Burning grossed $2,197 worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.2K

International
$2.2K
Videos

Dry Ground Burning Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Mato Seco em Chamas | Trailer oficial
  • Trailer Official Trailer [Subtitled]
Details

Dry Ground Burning Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “불타는 마른 땅” and “燃烧的干灌木”.

Also known as
  • 불타는 마른 땅
  • 燃烧的干灌木

Seen Dry Ground Burning?

FAQ

Dry Ground Burning FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Dry Ground Burning, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dry Ground Burning?

Dry Ground Burning runs 2 hours 33 minutes (153 minutes).

When was Dry Ground Burning released?

Dry Ground Burning was released on April 21, 2023.

Who directed Dry Ground Burning?

Dry Ground Burning was directed by Adirley Queirós and Joana Pimenta.

More films by Adirley Queirós

Who is in the cast of Dry Ground Burning?

Dry Ground Burning stars Gleide Firmino, Andreia Vieira and Débora Alencar, among 5 credited actors.

Where can I watch Dry Ground Burning?

In the US, Dry Ground Burning is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Dry Ground Burning make at the box office?

Dry Ground Burning grossed $2,197 worldwide.

How is Dry Ground Burning rated?

Dry Ground Burning has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic, 60% on TMDB and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Dry Ground Burning have a post-credit scene?

No. Dry Ground Burning has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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