Documentary

Genesis 2.0 (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: Genesis 2.0
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2019-01-02
Duration: 1 h 52 min
Cast: Maxim Arbugaev, Peter Grigoriev, Semyon Grigoriev, Woo Suk Hwang

Genesis 2.0 is a 2019 documentary directed by Christian Frei, starring Maxim Arbugaev, Peter Grigoriev and Semyon Grigoriev. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes and earned $11,596 worldwide. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.

IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
worldwide gross: $11.6K
Echo Score: 72

Loading streaming availability…

Watch the trailer

Released: January 2, 2019
Runtime: 1h 52m (112 min)
Director: Christian Frei
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Kimstim Films
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Genesis 2.0 About?

The premise of Genesis 2.0 without spoilers.

In the remote New Siberian Islands, a contemporary gold rush focuses on recovering mammoth tusks from the frozen landscape. A remarkable discovery beneath the ice changes everything: a perfectly preserved mammoth carcass. A team of scientists arrives, drawn by the possibility of reviving this extinct giant, pushing the boundaries of science and raising complex ethical questions about creation and life itself.

Loading streaming availability…

Cast & crew

Genesis 2.0 Cast

Maxim Arbugaev leads the cast, with Peter Grigoriev and Semyon Grigoriev. Directed by Christian Frei; 4 actors are credited in all.

Director Christian Frei

Maxim Arbugaev as themselves
Peter Grigoriev as themselves
Semyon Grigoriev as themselves
Woo Suk Hwang

From the director

More from Christian Frei

More films directed by Christian Frei, best-rated first: War Photographer, Sleepless in New York, Space Tourists and The Giant Buddhas.

Full filmography

Ratings

Genesis 2.0 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Genesis 2.0 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in character & emotion (50).

72 /100

Genesis 2.0 Echo Score Breakdown

Genesis 2.0 presents a visually striking and intellectually engaging documentary, though its thematic duality sometimes undermines narrative cohesion. Reviewers praise its blend of prehistoric imagery and futuristic inquiry, noting that the film’s exploration of genetic engineering and ancient hunting yields several memorable sequences. However, comments about uneven pacing and occasional conceptual disjunction indicate that the central thesis can feel fragmented. Overall, the documentary leaves a lasting curiosity but falls short of seamless integration.

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

Art & Craft 85

In terms of art and craft, the film excels with striking imagery and meticulous framing throughout. Reviewers highlight its artful presentation of icy landscapes and precise shot composition that convey both majesty and unease. The production design and editing are praised for creating a cohesive visual narrative. These elements combine to deliver an evocative cinematic experience.
Character & Emotion 50

When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary offers compelling personalities but uneven depth. Observers note that the profiles of hunters and scientists provide human interest, yet some segments prioritize media-ready personas over substantial insight. Emotional resonance arises in moments of ethical reflection, but the shifting focus can dilute character development. This blend yields moderate engagement with its subjects.
Story & Flow 60

In terms of story and flow, Genesis 2.0 demonstrates intriguing originality but uneven pacing. Several observers praise its conceptual ambition in juxtaposing Arctic hunting with synthetic biology, yet many remark on moments where narrative momentum stalls. The interplay of futurism and mysticism generates curiosity, but the film’s structural shifts can feel disjointed. Overall, the storytelling earns respect for ambition despite occasional fragmentation.
Sensory Experience 85

When considering sensory experience, the film stands out for its compelling sound design and evocative score. Critiques emphasize the effective blending of ambient Arctic noise with a queasy musical undercurrent that heightens tension. Visual stylization, including stark contrasts and layered textures, reinforces the documentary’s unsettling atmosphere. These elements combine to create a deeply immersive sensory environment.
Rewatch Factor 70

For rewatch factor, the documentary’s layered thematic content invites multiple viewings but its occasional pacing lulls may challenge repeat engagement. Observers remark that ethical questions and hidden narrative threads reward closer attention, while extended sequences of exposition can feel protracted on subsequent viewings. The film’s thought-provoking subject matter sustains interest, though pacing inconsistencies may limit its lasting appeal.