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Comedy drama

Emergency (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Emergency (2022) movie poster

Emergency is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Carey Williams, starring RJ Cyler as Sean, Sebastian Chacon and Maddie Nichols. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes and earned $21.4 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Studio or Independent – Comedy at the Artios Awards 2023. Critics gave it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
91%
worldwide gross
$21.4M
award nomination
1
Emergency (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Director
Carey Williams
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Emergency About?

The premise of Emergency without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Two college seniors, Kunle and Sean, have conflicting priorities during Spring Break. Kunle is determined to finish his research experiment for Princeton, while Sean is eager for an unforgettable night out. Their plans are thrown into disarray when they find an unconscious woman in their apartment. They then find themselves embroiled in a chaotic and hilarious chase across town, forced to confront issues of race and identity as they try to ensure her safety and get her home.

Emergency Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • drunk girl
  • sister sister relationship
  • teen drama
  • academia drama
  • quirky comedy
  • psychological thriller
  • independent film
  • high school
  • applying for college
  • frat party
  • vomit
  • drunk driving
+11 more
  • biologist
  • playing a video game
  • passed out drunk
  • friendship
  • forest
  • car crash
  • teacher
  • 2020s
  • police
  • college
  • night
Where to watch

Where to Watch Emergency

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Emergency Cast & Characters

RJ Cyler leads the cast as Sean, with Sebastian Chacon as Carlos and Maddie Nichols as Emma. Directed by Carey Williams; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Emergency Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Emergency 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in story & flow (82) and weakest in art & craft (68).

76 /100

Emergency Echo Score Breakdown

Emergency delivers a thought‑provoking blend of satire and social commentary, anchored by strong performances and a resonant narrative. Critics note occasional pacing lapses and tonal shifts, yet many praise its daring concept and effective filmmaking choices. Audience reactions emphasize the film's capacity to engage emotionally while highlighting systemic issues. The overall impression is one of a solid, if uneven, work that rewards attentive viewing and sparks discussion.

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

  • Art & Craft 68

    In terms of art and craft, Emergency exhibits moments of visual flair and competent editing, though its pacing often falters. Critics point to an ambitious direction that occasionally mismanages rhythm, while occasional “dazzling” shots suggest a capable visual sense. The production design supports the college setting without overwhelming it. Overall, technical execution is serviceable but inconsistent.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film shines through nuanced performances that ground the story. Viewers repeatedly cite RJ Cyler, Donald Elise Watkins, and supporting actors for delivering believable, resonant portrayals. The chemistry among the leads reinforces the themes of friendship and fear. While a few critics find certain character arcs underdeveloped, the general consensus highlights strong acting as a core strength.

  • Story & Flow 82

    Regarding story and flow, Emergency succeeds in weaving tension with social insight. Reviewers commend its ability to sustain suspense and deliver a compelling plot that reflects real‑world racial dynamics. Some note uneven pacing during the middle act, yet most agree the narrative ultimately resolves with emotional payoff. The originality of the premise and its thematic depth lift the overall storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In the sensory experience, Emergency offers a modest soundtrack and competent sound design that complement its tonal shifts. Critics mention occasional “dazzling” moments, though visual style is not a dominant focus. The film’s aesthetic supports the collegiate atmosphere without achieving standout originality. Consequently, sensory elements are adequate, reinforcing the narrative without drawing strong attention.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    For rewatch factor, Emergency presents lasting appeal through its blend of humor and gravitas. Audiences note that the film’s social relevance and emotional resonance encourage repeat viewings, despite its uneven comedic timing. While some viewers felt misled by marketing, the sustained tension and strong performances make it a film worth returning to for deeper analysis.

Plot

Emergency Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Emergency from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Best friends and college students, Sean and Kunle, are on the verge of making history as the first black men to complete the legendary feat known as the “Legendary Tour,” which involves visiting seven fraternity parties in a single night. Their adventurous spirit is complemented by their roommate, Carlos, who hails from a Latino background. However, their night takes a shocking turn when they stumble upon the unconscious body of Emma, an underaged white woman, in their living room.

Full summary

The whole story of Emergency, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Emergency Box Office

Emergency grossed $21.4 million worldwide. $412,196 came from the US and Canada and $21 million (98%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$21.4M

US & Canada
$412.2K
International
$21M
US & Canada 2% Rest of the world 98%
Awards

Emergency Awards & Nominations

Emergency earned 1 award nomination, including Studio or Independent – Comedy at the Artios Awards 2023.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Emergency Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Emergency.

كشف مستعجل | الإعلان الرسمي - Official trailer من أعمال WATCH IT الأصلية رمضان 2023
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Emergency?

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What challenge are Sean and Kunle trying to complete?

Cars

Cars in Emergency

7 cars on screen, including the 2001 Ford Windstar and the 2006 Dodge Charger.

All 7 cars
  • 2001 Ford Windstar in Emergency 2001 Ford Windstar Main role
  • 2006 Dodge Charger in Emergency 2006 Dodge Charger Minor role
  • 2003 Honda Accord Coupé in Emergency 2003 Honda Accord Coupé Background role
  • 2010 Honda Insight in Emergency 2010 Honda Insight Background role
Details

Emergency Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “Acil Durum” and “黑白拉警報”.

Also known as
  • Acil Durum
  • 黑白拉警報
  • 이머전시
  • Emergência
  • Emergencia
  • 救急
  • นาทีฉุกเฉิน
  • Pohotovost
  • Έκτακτη Ανάγκη
  • Чрезвычайная ситуация
  • מקרה חירום
  • طوارئ
+7 more
  • Dylemat
  • Хитан
  • Hitan slučaj
  • 友情にSOS
  • Netikėta situacija
  • Urgența
  • Надзвичайна ситуація

Seen Emergency?

FAQ

Emergency FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of Emergency, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Emergency?

Emergency runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was Emergency released?

Emergency was released on May 20, 2022.

Who directed Emergency?

Emergency was directed by Carey Williams.

More films by Carey Williams

Who is in the cast of Emergency?

Emergency stars RJ Cyler as Sean, Sebastian Chacon as Carlos and Maddie Nichols as Emma, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Emergency?

In the US, Emergency is streaming on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Emergency make at the box office?

Emergency grossed $21.4 million worldwide ($412,196 domestic, $21 million international).

How is Emergency rated?

Emergency has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic and 20% on TMDB.

Was Emergency nominated for any awards?

Emergency received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

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