Gully (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Gully is a 2019 crime drama directed by Nabil Elderkin, starring Jacob Latimore as Calvin, Charlie Plummer and Kelvin Harrison Jr.. It runs 1 hour 21 minutes and earned $22,517 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 66/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 21m (81 min)
- Director
- Nabil Elderkin
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Romulus Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Gully About?
The premise of Gully without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Set against a bleak depiction of Los Angeles, the film follows three teenagers, Jessie, Calvin, and Nicky. Each has experienced difficult childhoods, leading them to indulge in reckless and hedonistic behavior as they search for meaning and direction in their lives. The story explores their struggles and the consequences of their choices within a challenging environment.
Gully Themes & Keywords
· 35 tags- running
- los angeles california
- teenager
- teen boy
- begins with voice over narration
- voice over narration
- stepfather stepson relationship
- mother son relationship
- helicopter
- baseball bat used as a weapon
- n word
- reference to apple tv
+23 more Show fewer
- lawnmower
- gun in mouth
- contemplating suicide
- childhood flashback
- flashback
- finger gun
- home invasion
- parolee
- dancing
- sex in a car
- punched in the face
- nightclub
- homeless man
- skateboard
- skateboarding
- skateboarder
- skateboarder hit by car
- drinking beer from a bottle
- under arrest
- jail visit
- driveby shooting
- shot to death
- shot repeatedly
Gully Cast & Characters
Jacob Latimore leads the cast as Calvin, with Charlie Plummer as Nicky and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Jesse. Directed by Nabil Elderkin; 33 actors are credited in all.
- Director Nabil Elderkin
-
Jacob Latimore as Calvin -
Charlie Plummer as Nicky -
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Jesse - Julia Rose as Mrs. Charlie
Also Starring in Gully
· 29 more- Zoë Renee Keisha
- Jonathan Majors Greg
- Tom Wright Principal West
- Terrence Howard Mr. Christmas
- John Corbett Mr. Charlie
- Robin Givens Irma
- Amber Heard Joyce
- Chris Gann Barret
- Travis Scott Derek
- David Garelik Brandon
- DeRay Davis Calvin's Father
- Kim Estes Mr. Avery
- Mo McRae Otis
- Erica Peeples Mrs. Burnett
- J.J. Boone Edith
- Vince Staples Nephew #1
Show all 33 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Treisa Gary Church Woman
- Madisen Hill Beth
- Elizabeth Posey Tammy
- Rhomeyn Johnson Minister
- Chastity Dotson Angela
- Hilda Boulware Mama Lou
- Jessica Juarez Teller
- Peter Chen Mr. Ling
- Xen Sams Margaret
- Demarius Mack Gangbanger 2
- Jeremiah Shabazz Ronald Lewis
- Kashton Moore Terry
- Ari Loeb Big Nicky
More from Nabil Elderkin
More films directed by Nabil Elderkin: Gully, 7 Deaths of Maria Callas and Red Bull Bouncing Cats.
Gully Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in character & emotion (72) and weakest in story & flow (58).
Gully Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Gully presents a raw, emotionally charged portrait of youth navigating trauma in South Los Angeles, buoyed by a committed cast but hampered by uneven narrative focus. Critics note the film’s ambitious themes often remain underdeveloped, while many viewers respond positively to its visceral impact and visual intensity. The mixed reception reflects strengths in performance and atmosphere contrasted with a fragmented story structure, resulting in a moderately favorable impression.
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, the film exhibits a stylized visual palette, with dark cinematography and occasional gaming-inspired imagery that some reviewers applaud for its intensity. Critics, however, criticize the direction as lacking originality and the editing as unfocused, leading to a sense of overextension. Consequently, the technical execution is seen as ambitious yet uneven, yielding a modestly positive assessment.
- Character & Emotion 72
When evaluating character and emotion, performances are frequently highlighted as the film’s strongest element, with the lead trio delivering nuanced, heartfelt portrayals that resonate with audiences. Positive remarks focus on the chemistry and depth of the friendships depicted, while a few critiques note uneven acting from supporting roles. Overall, the character work is regarded as compelling and substantially elevates the material.
- Story & Flow 58
The story and flow are perceived as fragmented, with critics describing the plot as aimless and lacking a cohesive resolution. While some reviewers commend the ambition to explore cyclical violence and generational trauma, the execution is often deemed shallow, leaving many narrative threads unresolved. This balance of intent and inconsistency results in a mixed appraisal of the film’s storytelling.
- Sensory Experience 66
In sensory terms, the movie’s soundtrack and sound design reinforce its gritty atmosphere, and the visual style—marked by dark tones and intermittent gaming motifs—contributes to an immersive experience. Some critics find the aesthetic striking yet note that it does not always serve the narrative, creating moments of style over substance. The overall sensory impact is therefore compelling but occasionally disjointed.
- Rewatch Factor 64
The rewatch factor is mixed; viewers who connect with the emotional rawness and strong performances often express a desire to revisit the film’s intense moments. Conversely, the lack of narrative closure and perceived overreliance on shock value deter repeat viewings for some audience members. Consequently, the film offers a modest replay value, appealing mainly to those drawn by its visceral themes.
Gully Plot Summary
What happens in Gully from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In a blighted corner of LA, three lifelong friends—Jesse [Kelvin Harrison Jr.], Calvin [Jacob Latimore], and Nicky [Charlie Plummer]—carry the scars of trauma from their youth. Jesse is mute, the result of abuse by his stepfather, while Calvin is self-destructive and resistant to taking his meds. Nicky may soon become a father, though Keisha [Zoë Renee]’s family opposes him. The trio drift through a tense school environment where a guidance counselor sees the potential in Calvin’s high scores, yet Calvin loudly rejects the idea of college, declaring that he’s doomed.
Full summary
The whole story of Gully, scene by scene
Gully Box Office
Gully grossed $22,517 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$22.5K
- US & Canada
- $22.5K
Gully Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Gully
How Well Do You Know Gully?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which of the three main friends is mute due to abuse by his stepfather?
Gully Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “L.A. Rebels - Ausbruch der Gewalt” and “A Gangue”.
- Also known as
-
- L.A. Rebels - Ausbruch der Gewalt
- A Gangue
- La voie rebelle
- Vymletý
- Pandilleros
- Тропа
- 隘谷
- Ścieżka
- 狹徑
- Uz slidenas takas
- Ειδικό Μονοπάτι
- 걸리
+9 more Show fewer
- ガリー
- Глибокий яр
- L.A. Rebels – Ausbruch der Gewalt
- Rãnh Nước
- Kanal
- עד כאן
- أصدقاء أشداء
- गली
- A kemény srácok
Seen Gully?
Movies Like Gully
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Gully, Guncrazy and Gutterbug.
Gully FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Gully, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Gully?
Gully runs 1 hour 21 minutes (81 minutes).
When was Gully released?
Gully was released on April 27, 2019.
Who directed Gully?
Gully was directed by Nabil Elderkin.
More films by Nabil Elderkin Who is in the cast of Gully?
Gully stars Jacob Latimore as Calvin, Charlie Plummer as Nicky and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Jesse, among 33 credited actors.
How much did Gully make at the box office?
Gully grossed $22,517 worldwide.
Does Gully have a post-credit scene?
No. Gully has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
