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Short sci-fi action film

Flashback (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Flashback (2019) movie poster

Flashback is a 2019 short sci-fi action film directed by Franck Marchand, starring Emy LTR as Nika, Eléonore Costes and Nicolas Berno. It runs 15 minutes and earned $177,143 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 74/100.

worldwide gross
$177.1K
Echo Score
74
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Flashback (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
15 min
Director
Franck Marchand
Genres
Sci-Fi , Action
Original language
French
Studio
Studio71
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Flashback About?

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

Nika and Helena - sisters and agents - are assigned a new mission that will not come together.

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Cast & crew

Flashback Cast & Characters

Emy LTR leads the cast as Nika, with Eléonore Costes as Helena and Nicolas Berno as Yann. Directed by Franck Marchand; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Franck Marchand

One more film directed by Franck Marchand: Private Screening.

Full filmography
Ratings

Flashback Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in sensory experience (84) and weakest in story & flow (66).

74 /100

Flashback Echo Score Breakdown

Flashback delivers a visually inventive experience that rewards attentive viewing, though its narrative complexity can impede accessibility. Critics note a chaotic plot and uneven payoff, while many audience members praise its ambitious themes and atmospheric design. The film’s strengths lie in its striking cinematography, thoughtful production design, and compelling performances, which help offset the occasional disorientation. Consequently, the movie offers a distinctive, if demanding, viewing that may resonate more with fans of mind‑bending storytelling.

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

  • Art & Craft 72

    Regarding art and craft, the film excels in inventive cinematography and detailed production design, with creative visual motifs that support the multiverse premise. Reviewers commend the use of color palettes and set pieces, such as coordinated streetlights, to convey narrative junctions. However, some critics describe the overall execution as chaotic, suggesting uneven editing. Overall, the visual craftsmanship is a notable strength despite occasional inconsistency.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    In terms of character and emotion, performances receive consistent praise, particularly Dylan O'Brien’s nuanced portrayal and Maika Monroe’s presence. Audiences highlight the emotional resonance and chemistry between leads, describing them as compelling. A few critics, however, mock the casting as forced, implying a lack of authenticity. The prevailing view is that strong acting anchors the film, providing a human core amid its conceptual ambitions.

  • Story & Flow 66

    The story and flow are marked by an ambitious, reality‑bending premise that many viewers find intriguing, yet its execution often feels convoluted. Critics point to a chaotic, dream‑like narrative that hampers clarity, while audience members appreciate the intricate structure and eventual payoff. Pacing is uneven, with some sections dragging and others compelling. Overall, the plot’s originality is offset by a lack of cohesive storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 84

    Sensory experience stands out, with a soundtrack described as excellent and effective at guiding viewers through the non‑linear narrative. Visual style employs creative splices and color cues that reinforce thematic threads, earning praise for coherence despite the complex plot. Sound design complements the eerie atmosphere, though a minority note occasional disorientation. Collectively, audiovisual elements significantly enhance immersion and support the film’s psychedelic tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch factor is mixed; while critics argue the film lacks sufficient engagement for repeat viewings, many audience members express eagerness to return and discover new layers. Positive comments highlight the film’s depth and lasting thematic impact, suggesting it rewards multiple inspections. Negative viewpoints emphasize confusion and fatigue that diminish repeat appeal. Overall, the movie offers moderate rewatch potential, appealing chiefly to viewers who appreciate dissecting complex narratives.

Plot

Flashback Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Flashback from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Fred Fitzell and his wife Karen visit Fred’s mother in a hospital where she is slipping into a deep, difficult decline. Fred works at a regular office job, but his days start to unravel as vivid flashbacks pull him back to high school. He recalls a girl named Cindy Williams and, driven by curiosity, he travels to the old high school and asks a librarian about her disappearance. The librarian’s answer hints at a drug that circulated through the school, and Fred’s mind begins to stitch together more fragmented memories. A menacing, scarred homeless man reappears in his life, appearing in his car while he’s parked in a shadowy alley, and the encounter leaves him shaken.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Flashback Box Office

Flashback grossed $177,143 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$177.1K

International
$177.1K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Flashback?

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 is the name of the drug that circulated through the high school and unlocks alternate temporal perceptions?

Seen Flashback?

FAQ

Flashback FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Flashback?

Flashback runs 15 minutes.

When was Flashback released?

Flashback was released on May 9, 2019.

Who directed Flashback?

Flashback was directed by Franck Marchand.

More films by Franck Marchand

Who is in the cast of Flashback?

Flashback stars Emy LTR as Nika, Eléonore Costes as Helena and Nicolas Berno as Yann, among 4 credited actors.

How much did Flashback make at the box office?

Flashback grossed $177,143 worldwide.

Does Flashback have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Flashback in?

The original language of Flashback is French.

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