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Island of the Hungry Ghosts (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Island of the Hungry Ghosts (2019) movie poster

Island of the Hungry Ghosts is a 2019 documentary directed by Gabrielle Brady, starring Arthur Floret and Poh Lin Lee. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $9,305 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Feature at the Spirit Awards 2020. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
92%
worldwide gross
$9.3K
award nomination
1
Echo Score
75
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Island of the Hungry Ghosts (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Gabrielle Brady
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Island of the Hungry Ghosts About?

The premise of Island of the Hungry Ghosts without spoilers.

On Christmas Island, a remote Australian territory, the annual crab migration intertwines with the challenges faced within a detention center for asylum seekers. A therapist working at the center finds themself caught between the island's vibrant cultural traditions and the difficult realities of the detainees' situations. The film poignantly explores themes of humanity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of connection in a place of isolation and crisis.

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Cast & crew

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Cast

Arthur Floret leads the cast, with Poh Lin Lee. Directed by Gabrielle Brady.

From the director

More from Gabrielle Brady

One more film directed by Gabrielle Brady: The Wolves Always Come at Night.

Full filmography
Ratings

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Island of the Hungry Ghosts 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

75 /100

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Echo Score Breakdown

Island of the Hungry Ghosts excels in delivering a compassionate, poetic vision of migration, though its deliberate pacing and abstract narrative occasionally limit engagement. The film’s ethereal imagery and humane perspective have been widely praised for their emotional depth and visual coherence. However, some viewers note that the slow momentum and lack of direct character focus can create a sense of distance. Overall, the documentary leaves a haunting and thought-provoking impression despite its uneven narrative rhythm.

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 showcases precise direction and striking cinematography marked by lingering jungle panoramas and an understated color palette. Editing choices reinforce the reflective tone with measured cuts that emphasize natural rhythms. Production design integrates seamlessly with real-world settings. Overall, the visual craftsmanship supports the documentary’s poetic and immersive style.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    Regarding character and emotion, the documentary offers compassionate insights that foster emotional resonance through intimate glimpses of detainees’ experiences. The humane portrayal and nuanced framing give weight to individual struggles. However, the limited narrative focus on personal backstories creates moments of emotional distance. Overall, the film’s affective impact is poignant but occasionally uneven in depth.

  • Story & Flow 65

    When it comes to story and flow, the pacing is deliberately slow with a hypnotic rhythm that underscores the documentary’s contemplative nature. Originality is evident in the thematic framing, yet the abstract structure and occasional lack of narrative clarity can hinder engagement. Overall, the plot’s strength lies in its reflective quality despite its uneven momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s soundscape and visual language create a disquieting yet poetic atmosphere. The understated score and ambient sound design heighten immersion, while the cohesive visual style employs rich natural textures and subtle color shifts. Overall, the sensory elements combine effectively to evoke a haunting and evocative viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s slow pace and heavy thematic focus may deter repeated viewings for some audiences. Nonetheless, the layered visuals and thoughtful composition offer new insights on subsequent viewings, rewarding attentive observation. Overall, the documentary maintains a moderate rewatch value, appealing principally to viewers drawn to its poetic and thematic complexity.

Box office

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Box Office

Island of the Hungry Ghosts grossed $9,305 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$9.3K

International
$9.3K
Awards

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Awards & Nominations

Island of the Hungry Ghosts earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Feature at the Spirit Awards 2020.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Island of the Hungry Ghosts.

Island Of The Hungry Ghosts Trailer
Details

Island of the Hungry Ghosts Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “Остров голодных призраков” and “굶주린 귀신들의 섬”.

Also known as
  • Остров голодных призраков
  • 굶주린 귀신들의 섬
  • 饥饿鬼岛, მშიერი სულების კუნძული

Seen Island of the Hungry Ghosts?

FAQ

Island of the Hungry Ghosts FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Island of the Hungry Ghosts, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Island of the Hungry Ghosts?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Island of the Hungry Ghosts released?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts was released on March 8, 2019.

Who directed Island of the Hungry Ghosts?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts was directed by Gabrielle Brady.

More films by Gabrielle Brady

Who is in the cast of Island of the Hungry Ghosts?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts stars Arthur Floret and Poh Lin Lee.

How much did Island of the Hungry Ghosts make at the box office?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts grossed $9,305 worldwide.

How is Island of the Hungry Ghosts rated?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts has 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic, 58% on TMDB and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Island of the Hungry Ghosts nominated for any awards?

Island of the Hungry Ghosts received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Island of the Hungry Ghosts have a post-credit scene?

No. Island of the Hungry Ghosts has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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