Judy (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Judy is a 2019 biographical musical directed by Rupert Goold, starring Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, Finn Wittrock and Darci Shaw. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $46 million worldwide on a $10 million budget. It won 1 Oscar, including Actress in a Leading Role, and 6 awards in all. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- Rupert Goold
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Roadside Attractions
- Budget
- $10M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Judy About?
The premise of Judy without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In 1968, legendary performer Judy Garland arrives in London for a series of concerts at The Talk of the Town. As she prepares for the sold-out run, her extraordinary talent and sense of humor are evident, even as she battles challenges with management and confronts personal struggles. A burgeoning romance with Mickey Deans provides a brief respite, showcasing her enduring wit and warmth, and suggesting that the possibility of love remains.
Judy Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- concert
- london england
- alcoholic
- gay couple
- judy garland character
- gay character
- year 1968
- ex husband ex wife relationship
- sleeplessness
- younger version of character
- pill addiction
- marriage
+38 more Show fewer
- 1930s
- 1960s
- film set
- year 1969
- liza minnelli character
- winter
- performer
- singer
- singing
- song
- microphone
- mother daughter relationship
- mother son relationship
- drug use
- telephone
- telephone call
- hotel
- hotel desk clerk
- drink
- drinking
- dressing room
- backstage
- omelet
- flashback
- flash forward
- applause
- talk of the town theatre london
- booing
- falling to the ground
- theatre box office
- party
- montage
- chorus line
- dancer
- dancing
- rehearsal
- eating
- alcoholism
Judy Cast & Characters
Renée Zellweger leads the cast as Judy Garland, with Finn Wittrock as Mickey Deans and Darci Shaw as Young Judy. Directed by Rupert Goold; 21 actors are credited in all.
- Director Rupert Goold
-
Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland -
Finn Wittrock as Mickey Deans - Darci Shaw as Young Judy
- Richard Cordery as Louis B. Mayer
Also Starring in Judy
· 17 more- Bella Ramsey Lorna Luft
- Lewin Lloyd Joey Luft
- Rufus Sewell Sid Luft
- Gemma-Leah Devereux Liza Minnelli
- Jessie Buckley Rosalyn Wilder
- Michael Gambon Bernard Delfont
- Andy Nyman Dan
- Lucy Russell
- Fenella Woolgar
- Gaia Weiss
- John Dagleish Lonnie Donegan
- Daniel Cerqueira Stan
- Phil Dunster
- Royce Pierreson Burt Rhodes
- Philippe Spall
- Diana Alexandra Pocol
Show all 21 cast members Show fewer cast members
More from Rupert Goold
More films directed by Rupert Goold, best-rated first: True Story, Albion, King Charles III and Almeida Theatre Live: Richard III.
Judy Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Judy 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).
Judy Echo Score Breakdown
In terms of its overall impact, Judy benefits strongly from its lead performance but is held back by conventional biopic pacing. Viewers and critics alike applaud Renée Zellweger’s immersion into Garland’s persona, yet the narrative follows a predictable flashback structure that limits deeper exploration of the subject’s life. Positive reactions to the film’s musical numbers and design provide balance to comments about the story’s familiarity. On balance, Judy offers a respectful homage with standout acting but only modest narrative innovation.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, Judy presents a competent but occasionally understated visual style. Production design and costuming received praise for period authenticity, and moments of creative camera work add visual interest. Some reviewers found the editing choices conventional, noting the film’s tribute-like stylization over bold directorial flair. Overall, the film maintains solid technical polish without venturing into distinctive visual innovation.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, Judy is defined by Renée Zellweger’s deep and nuanced performance. Critics consistently highlight her ability to channel Garland’s vulnerability and stage presence, grounding the film emotionally. Other participants noted limited development of supporting figures and a focus on the lead that occasionally leaves relational dynamics underexplored. Ultimately, the central portrayal delivers strong emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 60
Concerning story and flow, Judy adheres to a familiar biopic structure that some viewers find predictable. While flashback sequences highlight key moments in Garland’s life, critics point to uneven pacing and a lack of deeper narrative originality. The film’s chronology sometimes feels compressed, and the focus on decline over early career stages reduces plot coherence. On the whole, the story offers a respectful but conventional arc.
- Sensory Experience 80
In sensory terms, Judy delivers a compelling auditory and visual experience. The musical numbers and score received consistent praise for capturing Garland’s emotional intensity, and the film’s sound design supports performance moments effectively. Visual styling, including period-appropriate sets and makeup, also earned positive remarks. Combined, these elements reinforce the film’s immersive atmosphere and emotional beats.
- Rewatch Factor 65
In terms of rewatch factor, Judy offers moments of engagement for fans of Garland and musical biography enthusiasts. The strength of the central performance and memorable songs encourage repeated viewings, though some viewers note the narrative’s conventional arc limits fresh discoveries on subsequent watches. Overall, the film provides moderate lasting appeal, particularly for admirers of the lead performance.
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IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 82% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 85%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 66 Metascore
User score 6.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 67% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.2 /5
32 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.4 /5
See on Movie Insider
Judy Plot Summary
What happens in Judy 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
The film begins with a young Judy Garland, portrayed by Darci Shaw, on the set of the iconic ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ in 1939. Here, she is shadowing the MGM studio head, [Louis B. com/name/nm0560232/). During their conversation, Louis tells Judy that while numerous girls may look better than her, they lack what she possesses: a voice that can touch people’s hearts. Yet, he suggests that if she desires an ordinary life—like working in a restaurant or being a home-maker—she is free to walk away. Judy, feeling remorseful over her longing for a “normal” existence, expresses that a night out at the theater might be beneficial. Louis, however, scoffs, implying that he could easily replace her with Shirley Temple.
Full summary
The whole story of Judy, scene by scene
Judy Box Office & Budget
Judy grossed $46 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, 4.6 times what it cost. $24.3 million came from the US and Canada and $21.4 million (47%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$46M
4.6× its budget
- US & Canada
- $24.3M
- International
- $21.4M
- Budget
- $10M
Judy Awards & Nominations
Judy won 1 Oscar, including Actress in a Leading Role, and 6 awards in all. Its biggest night was the BAFTA 2020, with 1 win from 3 nominations.
6 wins11 nominations7 ceremonies
-
BAFTA 2020 1 win · 3 nominations- Won Best Actress in a Leading Role – Renée Zellweger
- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Makeup and Hair
-
Critics' Choice 2020 1 win · 2 nominations- Won Best Actress – Renée Zellweger
- Nominated Best Hair and Makeup
-
Oscars 2020 1 win · 2 nominations- Won Actress in a Leading Role – Renée Zellweger
- Nominated Makeup and Hairstyling
-
Actor Awards (SAG) 2020 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Renée Zellweger
Show all 7 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Spirit Awards 2020 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Best Female Lead – Renée Zellweger
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Golden Globes 2020 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress) – Renée Zellweger
-
Artios Awards 2020 1 nomination- Nominated Studio or Independent – Drama
Judy Trailers & Videos
18 videos: 1 trailer, 9 teasers, 7 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Teaser Official Teaser Trailer
- Teaser Official Digital Spot "Showstopping" :30
- Teaser Official Digital Spot "Her Story" :30
- Teaser Official Digital Spot "Performance Narrated Cutdown" 15
How Well Do You Know Judy?
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
In which year does the film open with a young Judy Garland visiting MGM?
Cars in Judy
6 cars on screen, including the 1959 Austin FX4 and the 1971 Austin FX4.
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1959 Austin FX4 Minor role -
1971 Austin FX4 Minor role -
1963 Buick LeSabre Minor role -
1972 Daimler Limousine Minor role
Judy Also Known As
15 alternative titles, including “Judy - Muito Além do Arco-Íris” and “주디”.
- Also known as
-
- Judy - Muito Além do Arco-Íris
- 주디
- Джуди
- Джуді, ჯუდი
- Τζούντι
- 朱迪
- Judy: Por Trás do Arco-Iris
- Џуди
- 茱蒂
- 星夢女神 : 茱地嘉蘭
- ג'ודי: מעבר לקשת
- ジュディ 虹の彼方に
+3 more Show fewer
- จูดี้
- Džudi
- Džūdija
Seen Judy?
Movies Like Judy
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Judy and Liza at the Palladium, Judy Garland: The Concert Years and Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.
-
Judy and Liza at the Palladium 1964 -
Judy Garland: The Concert Years 1985 -
Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows 2001 -
A Date with Judy 1948 -
Judy Garland, Robert Goulet & Phil Silvers Special 1963 -
Judy Berlin 2000 -
Judy Garland: By Myself 2004 -
Chrissy Judy 2023 -
Everybody Sing 1938 -
Dance, Girl, Dance 1940 -
Rainbow 1978 -
Saint Judy 2019
Judy FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Judy, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Judy?
Judy runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).
When was Judy released?
Judy was released on September 27, 2019.
Who directed Judy?
Judy was directed by Rupert Goold.
More films by Rupert Goold Who is in the cast of Judy?
Judy stars Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, Finn Wittrock as Mickey Deans and Darci Shaw as Young Judy, among 21 credited actors.
How much did Judy make at the box office?
Judy grossed $46 million worldwide ($24.3 million domestic, $21.4 million international) on a budget of $10 million.
How is Judy rated?
Judy has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.
What awards did Judy win?
Judy won 6 awards from 11 nominations, including Best Actress in a Leading Role at the BAFTA 2020.
Does Judy have a post-credit scene?
No. Judy has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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