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Drama

Gavagai (2018): Cast & Ratings

Gavagai (2018) movie poster

Gavagai is a 2018 drama directed by Rob Tregenza, starring Andreas Lust as Carsten Neuer, Mikkel Gaup and Anni-Kristiina Juuso. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
Echo Score
78
Metascore
91
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Gavagai (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Rob Tregenza
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Gavagai About?

The premise of Gavagai without spoilers.

A grieving German businessman, Carsten, travels through the stunning landscapes of Norway to find inspiration for his wife's unfinished translation work. He connects with Niko, a tour guide facing his own challenges, and together they explore the intersection of loss, memory, and hope. Guided by the memory of Carsten's wife, they discover the strength of human connection and find solace amidst the beautiful scenery.

Gavagai Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • businessman
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Cast & crew

Gavagai Cast & Characters

Andreas Lust leads the cast as Carsten Neuer, with Mikkel Gaup as Niko Haapasalo and Anni-Kristiina Juuso as Mari Dahl. Directed by Rob Tregenza; 23 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Rob Tregenza

More films directed by Rob Tregenza, best-rated first: The Fishing Place, The Arc and Talking to Strangers.

Full filmography
Ratings

Gavagai Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Gavagai 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

78 /100

Gavagai Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Gavagai presents a contemplative cinematic experience marked by striking visual artistry and evocative atmosphere beneath a deliberately unhurried pace. The direction and cinematography are celebrated for their lyrical composition and immersive landscapes, while the film’s narrative structure and character interactions receive more measured responses. Viewers note moments of intellectual provocation and emotional resonance, though some find the pacing uneven and the storyline occasionally abstraction-heavy. The net impression is of a singular, artful work that rewards patient engagement.

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

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, Gavagai demonstrates a commanding visual presence through its lyrical cinematography and disciplined composition. The direction consistently emphasizes meditative framing and refined production design, while the editing underscores a slow, intentional rhythm. Occasional overextension in lingering shots invites criticism but overall the visual style remains elegantly executed and impactful.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, Gavagai offers moments of genuine emotional resonance through understated performances and poetic interludes. The chemistry between leads conveys grief and companionship, and the lyrical recitation of poetry supplements limited dialogue. However, the sparse interaction and abstract intentions sometimes inhibit deeper character development. The net effect is an evocative but occasionally detached emotional experience.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, the film embraces a deliberate, meditative pace that fosters intellectual engagement but can also feel diffuse. The road trip structure provides a framework for contemplation of grief and connection, yet narrative progression is cryptic at times. While this approach yields thoughtful motifs and occasional dramatic payoff, it may test viewer patience due to intermittent lulls and abstraction.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When it comes to the sensory experience, Gavagai excels in its use of landscape and sound to evoke mood and immersion. The panoramic vistas and lyrical camera movement create a potent visual atmosphere, while the soundtrack and sound design support a reflective ambience. Some viewers may find the emphasis on mood over narrative tension excessive, but the overall sensorial palette remains richly engaging.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch factor, Gavagai presents qualities that may reward attentive repeat viewings, such as the layered visual motifs and thematic nuances. The film’s meditative structure encourages deeper reflection on its motifs of grief and connection. Nonetheless, the deliberate pacing and abstract narrative could diminish its pull over multiple viewings for some. Overall, the lasting appeal resides in its aesthetic depth more than its storytelling clarity.

Details

Gavagai Also Known As

Also known as “KFC 食人連鎖”.

Also known as
  • KFC 食人連鎖

Seen Gavagai?

FAQ

Gavagai FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Gavagai, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Gavagai?

Gavagai runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Gavagai released?

Gavagai was released on August 3, 2018.

Who directed Gavagai?

Gavagai was directed by Rob Tregenza.

More films by Rob Tregenza

Who is in the cast of Gavagai?

Gavagai stars Andreas Lust as Carsten Neuer, Mikkel Gaup as Niko Haapasalo and Anni-Kristiina Juuso as Mari Dahl, among 23 credited actors.

How is Gavagai rated?

Gavagai has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does Gavagai have a post-credit scene?

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

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