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Comedy drama

I Used to Be Famous (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

I Used to Be Famous (2022) movie poster

I Used to Be Famous is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Eddie Sternberg, starring Ed Skrein as Vince, Leo Long and Eoin Macken. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $171,756 worldwide. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
worldwide gross
$171.8K
Echo Score
69
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I Used to Be Famous (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Director
Eddie Sternberg
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Music
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is I Used to Be Famous About?

The premise of I Used to Be Famous without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Former popstar Vince, now struggling with obscurity, unexpectedly connects with Stevie, a gifted but autistic drummer, in Peckham. Their shared passion for music sparks an unlikely friendship, offering both men a chance at redemption. As they navigate personal challenges and troubled histories, the bond they forge demonstrates the transformative power of music and the possibility of new beginnings, even when facing isolation.

I Used to Be Famous Themes & Keywords

· 43 tags
  • based on short film
  • dramedy
  • friendship
  • pop star
  • life
  • piano
  • drum
  • city
  • song
  • friend
  • buddy comedy
  • autism
+31 more
  • autistic man
  • young
  • 18 year old man
  • 19 year old man
  • 15 year old boy
  • year 2002
  • year 2022
  • 20 years later
  • 19th birthday
  • birthday
  • boy band
  • concert
  • reference to tiktok
  • reference to john lennon
  • reference to paul mccartney
  • reference to dave grohl
  • reference to chad smith
  • reference to jack dejohnette
  • reference to keith jarrett
  • reference to johann sebastian bach
  • smoothie
  • taking a selfie
  • jammie dodgers
  • music therapy
  • drummer
  • keyboard
  • cemetery
  • funeral
  • ironing board
  • fistfight
  • bar fight
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Cast & crew

I Used to Be Famous Cast & Characters

Ed Skrein leads the cast as Vince, with Leo Long as Stevie and Eoin Macken as Austin. Directed by Eddie Sternberg; 12 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

I Used to Be Famous Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave I Used to Be Famous 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

69 /100

I Used to Be Famous Echo Score Breakdown

I Used to Be Famous delivers a modestly engaging experience that leans more toward pleasant than groundbreaking. Critics and users alike note the film's predictable narrative, yet many appreciate its heartfelt tone and Ed Skrein's committed performance. While the direction and musical elements receive mixed reactions, the overall impression is that the movie succeeds as an agreeable, feel‑good drama without challenging conventions. Consequently, its appeal rests on audience willingness to embrace its sincerity despite structural shortcomings.

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

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of direction and craft, the film exhibits a steady but unremarkable visual style. Critics point to a predictable staging and missed opportunities, while some acknowledge a sweet handling of scenes. The cinematography and editing serve the story without notable flourish, resulting in a competent yet conventional execution. Overall, the artistic elements are adequate but lack distinctive flair.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are the film's strongest asset. Ed Skrein's nuanced portrayal receives consistent praise from both critics and users, with many citing his sensitive, committed acting. Supporting cast members are described as likable and believable, enhancing emotional resonance. Although a few reviewers question authenticity of certain depictions, the overall character work is well‑executed and engaging.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story and pacing are dominated by predictability, a point repeatedly highlighted by reviewers. While the narrative is described as schematic and comfortingly familiar, some find the honesty of its arcs endearing. The plot moves forward without major holes, yet twists feel shallow to several viewers. Consequently, the storyline offers solid coherence but limited originality, positioning it in the middle of the rating spectrum.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    Sensory experience receives mixed feedback, particularly regarding the soundtrack. Some users enjoy the film's songs and deem them a highlight, while others criticize the original music as terrible. Sound design and visual style are generally noted as competent but not standout. The overall sensory impression is acceptable, offering occasional moments of appeal amid otherwise standard production values.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch factor is moderately high, driven by the film's feel‑good tone and uplifting moments. Several viewers describe it as pleasant, heart‑warming, and suitable for family viewing, suggesting repeat enjoyment. However, the predictability and occasional tonal missteps temper enthusiasm, preventing it from achieving a top‑tier replay value. Overall, it presents a solid, if not essential, reason to return.

Plot

I Used to Be Famous Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in I Used to Be Famous from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

While Vince (Ed Skrein) once basked in the glow of hedonistic fame and success, living the rock star life with his band Stereo Dreams, things have drastically changed after two decades. Now a struggling musician, he finds himself busking on the streets in hopes of reigniting his career. Despite his fervent attempts to secure gigs in local bars, he is continually met with rejection. In his quest for validation, he creates fresh tunes and pitches them to local music shops, only to face disappointment once again. Meanwhile, his former bandmate Austin (Eoin Macken) has garnered significant success in the music industry, set to release his final album and embark on a farewell tour.

Full summary

The whole story of I Used to Be Famous, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

I Used to Be Famous Box Office

I Used to Be Famous grossed $171,756 worldwide.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$171.8K

US & Canada
$171.8K
Videos

I Used to Be Famous Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 featurettes.

Official Trailer
  • Featurette Iconic '90s/'00s Popstars - What Happens When Fame Fades | I Used To Be Famous
  • Featurette Life On Set As A Neurodivergent Actor | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know I Used to Be Famous?

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 was the name of Vince's former band?

Cars

Cars in I Used to Be Famous

15 cars on screen, including the 2016 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H and the 1998 Ford Escort Estate MkVI.

All 15 cars
  • 2016 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H in I Used to Be Famous 2016 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Minor role
  • 1998 Ford Escort Estate MkVI in I Used to Be Famous 1998 Ford Escort Estate MkVI Minor role
  • Alexander Dennis Enviro400 in I Used to Be Famous Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Background role
  • 2012 Ford Fiesta MkVI in I Used to Be Famous 2012 Ford Fiesta MkVI Background role
Details

I Used to Be Famous Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “คนเคยดัง” and “פעם הייתי מפורסם”.

Also known as
  • คนเคยดัง
  • פעם הייתי מפורסם
  • 아이 유스투 비 페이머스
  • Já Fui Famoso
  • 刹那的光辉
  • Avant, j'étais célèbre
  • Yo era famoso
  • Bejval sem slavnej
  • Ero una popstar
  • Kiedyś byłem sławny
  • كنت نجمًا
  • Egykor híres voltam
+9 more
  • Я был знаменит
  • Колись я був відомим
  • Bir Zamanlar Ünlüydüm
  • Am fost cândva celebru
  • 剎那的光輝
  • あの頃輝いていたけれど
  • Kažkada buvau garsus
  • Някога бях известен
  • Κάποτε Ήμουν Διάσημος

Seen I Used to Be Famous?

FAQ

I Used to Be Famous FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of I Used to Be Famous, each answered in a sentence.

How long is I Used to Be Famous?

I Used to Be Famous runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was I Used to Be Famous released?

I Used to Be Famous was released on September 16, 2022.

Who directed I Used to Be Famous?

I Used to Be Famous was directed by Eddie Sternberg.

Who is in the cast of I Used to Be Famous?

I Used to Be Famous stars Ed Skrein as Vince, Leo Long as Stevie and Eoin Macken as Austin, among 12 credited actors.

How much did I Used to Be Famous make at the box office?

I Used to Be Famous grossed $171,756 worldwide.

How is I Used to Be Famous rated?

I Used to Be Famous has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70% on TMDB and 3.1/5 on Letterboxd.

Does I Used to Be Famous have a post-credit scene?

No. I Used to Be Famous has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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