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Documentary

I'm Leaving Now (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

I'm Leaving Now (2019) movie poster

I'm Leaving Now is a 2019 documentary directed by Armando Croda and Lindsey Cordero, starring Felipe Hernández. It runs 1 hour 14 minutes and earned $4,488 worldwide. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
worldwide gross
$4.5K
Echo Score
67
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I'm Leaving Now (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 14m (74 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is I'm Leaving Now About?

The premise of I'm Leaving Now without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Felipe, a Mexican immigrant, has spent sixteen years in Brooklyn, building a life and working diligently. Now, he faces a difficult choice: return to Mexico to be with his family or remain in Brooklyn to support them and resolve their financial struggles. Torn between longing for loved ones and the responsibility he feels towards his family’s survival, Felipe grapples with a deeply personal and emotional decision that will forever alter his life and theirs.

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Cast & crew

I'm Leaving Now Cast

Felipe Hernández stars in I'm Leaving Now. Directed by Armando Croda and Lindsey Cordero.

From the directors

More from Armando Croda and Lindsey Cordero

One more film directed by Armando Croda and Lindsey Cordero: Victorio.

Ratings

I'm Leaving Now Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave I'm Leaving Now 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in art & craft (50).

67 /100

I'm Leaving Now Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, I’m Leaving Now offers a modestly engaging portrait of its subject, though certain stylistic choices limit its broader impact. The film’s intimate focus on Felipe’s daily routine and emotional struggles has resonated with many viewers, while critics have pointed to hesitant narrative cohesion and occasional stylistic affectations. Strengths in character study are somewhat offset by mixed reactions to pacing and the blend of observational and dramatized elements. In net, the documentary achieves a stirring emotional core but falls short of a fully integrated cinematic experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 50

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary’s visual approach is marked by minimalist framing and clear editing, though its reliance on blurred lines between fiction and fact has drawn criticism. The direction has been noted for occasional affectations that undercut natural drama, even as selective scenes showcase thoughtful composition. Overall, the craftsmanship feels uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film delivers a consistently intimate portrayal of Felipe’s daily life and inner struggles. Reviewers have highlighted his unique presence—prankster, dancer, and immigrant—providing emotional resonance through moments of empathy and poignant solitude. While a few found the observational style fostering helplessness, most responses praise the nuanced performance and deep emotional connection. The net impression is strongly positive.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary unfolds through brief vignettes that evoke passage of time and thematic depth. Viewers responded to the empathetic portrayal of migrant hardship, though some critics found the pacing uneven and narrative gaps—particularly the omitted post-credits sequence—diminished overall coherence. The blend of observational footage and dramatized framing received mixed reactions. Ultimately, the storyline remains engaging but lacks full narrative satisfaction.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When considering the sensory experience, the film employs a restrained visual style complemented by ambient soundscapes and minimal musical cues. Certain reviewers praised its elegant cinematography and seamless editing transitions, though few notes touched on soundtrack or sound design elements. The documentary’s cohesive aesthetic supports its intimate tone, even if sensory elements remain understated rather than immersive.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Regarding rewatch factor, audiences who connected with Felipe’s story have returned to the film for its emotional nuance and thematic relevance. Observations of heartfelt simplicity and repeated viewings underscore its modest lasting appeal. Although the documentary’s subtle style may limit some viewers’ desire for multiple experiences, committed audiences find continued resonance.

Plot

I'm Leaving Now Plot Summary

What happens in I'm Leaving Now from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Felipe finds himself at a significant juncture in his life after dedicating 16 years to Brooklyn, where he has juggled three low-paying jobs while collecting bottles off the streets during his downtime. With the majority of his earnings consistently sent back to his family in Mexico, he has made the difficult decision to return home to his wife and children—whom he has not seen for nearly twenty years. However, upon revealing his intentions to his family, he is met with unexpected news: they have wasted the money he sent, accumulated considerable debt, and express their desire for him to remain in the United States to continue earning money instead of returning home.

Full summary

The whole story of I'm Leaving Now, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

I'm Leaving Now Box Office

I'm Leaving Now grossed $4,488 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.5K

US & Canada
$4.5K
Videos

I'm Leaving Now Trailers & Videos

The trailer of I'm Leaving Now.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know I'm Leaving Now?

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

How long has Felipe been living in Brooklyn?

Seen I'm Leaving Now?

FAQ

I'm Leaving Now FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of I'm Leaving Now, each answered in a sentence.

How long is I'm Leaving Now?

I'm Leaving Now runs 1 hour 14 minutes (74 minutes).

When was I'm Leaving Now released?

I'm Leaving Now was released on September 6, 2019.

Who directed I'm Leaving Now?

I'm Leaving Now was directed by Armando Croda and Lindsey Cordero.

More films by Armando Croda

Who is in the cast of I'm Leaving Now?

I'm Leaving Now stars Felipe Hernández.

How much did I'm Leaving Now make at the box office?

I'm Leaving Now grossed $4,488 worldwide.

How is I'm Leaving Now rated?

I'm Leaving Now has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52% on TMDB.

Does I'm Leaving Now have a post-credit scene?

No. I'm Leaving Now has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is I'm Leaving Now in?

The original language of I'm Leaving Now is Spanish.

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