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Documentary

Epicentro (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Epicentro (2020) movie poster

Epicentro is a 2020 documentary directed by Hubert Sauper, starring Oona Castillo Chaplin. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $119,413 worldwide. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
worldwide gross
$119.4K
Echo Score
80
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Epicentro (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m (108 min)
Director
Hubert Sauper
Genre
Documentary
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Epicentro About?

The premise of Epicentro without spoilers.

Acclaimed director Hubert Sauper explores Cuba's intricate past in this insightful documentary. Examining the 1898 sinking of the USS Maine, the film reveals how this event shaped colonial influence and the early use of cinema as a tool for propaganda. Through interviews with young Cubans, Sauper investigates the relationship between time, imperialism, and film, uncovering a century of searching for truth and a national identity.

Epicentro Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • one word title
  • cuba
  • voice over
  • children
  • cinema
  • dance class
  • year 1898
  • imperialism
  • american imperialism
  • u.s. imperialism
  • man on the moon
  • american flag
+11 more
  • reference to donald trump
  • train
  • cow
  • photographer
  • pen
  • havana cuba
  • hotel
  • swimming pool
  • sea
  • earth viewed from the moon
  • title spoken by character
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Cast & crew

Epicentro Cast

Oona Castillo Chaplin stars in Epicentro. Directed by Hubert Sauper.

Ratings

Epicentro Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Epicentro 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (65).

80 /100

Epicentro Echo Score Breakdown

Epicentro stands out for its striking visual style and thematic depth, though its narrative structure can feel loosely organized at times. Critics consistently praise the film’s evocative imagery and experimental framing of Cuban street life, noting its blend of intimate observation and historical reflection. While some found early segments less impactful, most agree that the work rewards sustained attention. In net, Epicentro delivers a compelling sensory experience anchored by vivid artistry and layered thematic resonance.

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

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, Epicentro excels with vivid cinematography and inventive framing that capture Havana’s textures. The film’s use of natural light and handheld compositions conveys a sense of immediacy, while measured editing choices reinforce its experimental tone. Production design feels authentic and understated, supporting a cohesive visual identity. Overall, direction and visual craft stand as the film’s primary strengths, creating a distinctive aesthetic presence.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, Epicentro relies on candid interviews and street encounters to evoke a sense of personal testimony. The featured subjects offer spontaneous reflections that lend authenticity, even if individual arcs remain undeveloped. Emotional resonance emerges through glimpses of daily life and collective memory rather than traditional dramatic structure. As a result, the film conveys genuine warmth and insight, though it forgoes deeper character-driven narratives in favor of broader cultural portraiture.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Regarding story and flow, Epicentro presents a loosely strung thematic exploration of Cuban history that can feel episodic. The pacing is deliberate, unfolding in varied street scenes that underscore colonial legacies but occasionally lack clear narrative momentum. Some viewers may find the early sections less impactful, though later sequences on mythology and globalization add coherence. Ultimately, the documentary’s unconventional structure supports its experimental aims, even as it challenges expectations of linear storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    In terms of sensory experience, Epicentro offers an immersive soundscape and visual palette that echo its thematic concerns. Waves crashing against the Malecón and ambient street noise heighten the film’s atmospheric pull, while an understated score reinforces moments of reflection. The color palette is both vivid and nuanced, underscoring textural details in architecture and everyday life. Together, these elements combine to create an evocative audiovisual environment with strong emotional and aesthetic appeal.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Concerning rewatch factor, Epicentro invites repeated viewings to unpack its layered visual metaphors and historical allusions. Viewers interested in cinematic experimentation and cultural analysis may find new insights on subsequent watches. However, the film’s episodic pacing and self-reflexive style could feel less engaging to those seeking traditional narrative drive. Overall, Epicentro has lasting appeal for niche audiences, though its unconventional format may limit broad replay value.

Box office

Epicentro Box Office

Epicentro grossed $119,413 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$119.4K

International
$119.4K
Videos

Epicentro Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Epicentro.

Epicentro – Official Trailer

Seen Epicentro?

FAQ

Epicentro FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Epicentro, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Epicentro?

Epicentro runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

When was Epicentro released?

Epicentro was released on August 28, 2020.

Who directed Epicentro?

Epicentro was directed by Hubert Sauper.

More films by Hubert Sauper

Who is in the cast of Epicentro?

Epicentro stars Oona Castillo Chaplin.

How much did Epicentro make at the box office?

Epicentro grossed $119,413 worldwide.

How is Epicentro rated?

Epicentro has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Epicentro have a post-credit scene?

No. Epicentro has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Epicentro in?

The original language of Epicentro is Spanish.

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