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Documentary

Julia (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Julia (2021) movie poster

Julia is a 2021 documentary directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, starring Julia Child, José Andrés and Peter Brownlee. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and earned $493,080 worldwide. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.3/10.

IMDb rating
8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
worldwide gross
$493.1K
Echo Score
82
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Julia (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m (95 min)
Directors
Betsy West and Julie Cohen
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Julia About?

The premise of Julia without spoilers.

This documentary explores the extraordinary life of Julia Child, charting her evolution from aspiring cookbook author to beloved television personality. Rare archival footage, personal photographs, and beautiful culinary visuals reveal her decade-long effort to publish "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." The film showcases her inspiring rise to fame at the age of 50, as she captivated a nation with her enthusiasm for food and her unapologetic self.

Julia Themes & Keywords

· 19 tags
  • celebrity
  • cooking
  • reference to julia child
  • character name as series title
  • based on real people
  • journey
  • food
  • cook
  • kitchen
  • mother
  • father
  • 1960s
+7 more
  • year 1962
  • ingredient
  • drink
  • husband wife relationship
  • docudrama drama
  • based on true story
  • character name in title
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Cast & crew

Julia Cast

Julia Child leads the cast, with José Andrés and Peter Brownlee. Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen.

From the directors

More from Betsy West and Julie Cohen

More films directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, best-rated first: Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down, RBG, My Name Is Pauli Murray and Every Body.

Ratings

Julia Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Julia 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

82 /100

Julia Echo Score Breakdown

Julia offers a celebratory portrait of the culinary icon that largely succeeds in its aim to inform and entertain. Critics and audiences alike commend its well‑structured documentary approach, rich archival footage, and lively presentation of Child's influence on American cooking. While a few note a lack of novel storytelling techniques and occasional oversights, the overall impression is one of an engaging, well‑crafted tribute that resonates with both fans and newcomers.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and visual design, the film benefits from concise editing and appealing cinematography of food and archival material. Reviewers highlight the gorgeous filming of dishes and effective pacing, though some note a missed opportunity for innovative documentary techniques. The overall artistic execution is solid and contributes positively to the viewer experience.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character depth, the documentary portrays Julia Child as a warm, joyful figure whose personality shines through interviews and footage. Critics praise her eccentric charm and cultural impact, while a minority find her personal story less compelling. The emphasis on her influence and charisma generally succeeds in creating an emotionally resonant portrait.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The film’s narrative is measured and accessible, presenting a chronological overview of Child’s life and legacy. Reviewers appreciate its concise, enjoyable flow, though some comment on a lack of fresh insight and occasional oversights. Overall, the story is coherent and engaging enough for casual viewers, even if it does not radically reinvent documentary storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Sensory elements stand out, with reviewers noting the appealing soundtrack, vivid food visuals, and effective sound design that enhance the viewing experience. The combination of archival clips and well‑produced food sequences creates an immersive atmosphere. Positive remarks dominate, confirming that the sensory presentation significantly elevates the documentary’s appeal.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Rewatch value is high, as many viewers describe the film as comforting, enjoyable, and inspiring for future cooking endeavors. Its affectionate tone and entertaining anecdotes encourage repeat viewings, though a few find the pacing slow. The consensus suggests the documentary retains lasting appeal for both fans of Julia Child and general audiences.

Box office

Julia Box Office

Julia grossed $493,080 worldwide. $399,811 came from the US and Canada and $93,269 (19%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$493.1K

US & Canada
$399.8K
International
$93.3K
US & Canada 81% Rest of the world 19%
Videos

Julia Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Julia.

Official Trailer

Seen Julia?

FAQ

Julia FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Julia, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Julia?

Julia runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).

When was Julia released?

Julia was released on November 12, 2021.

Who directed Julia?

Julia was directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen.

More films by Betsy West

Who is in the cast of Julia?

Julia stars Julia Child, José Andrés and Peter Brownlee.

How much did Julia make at the box office?

Julia grossed $493,080 worldwide ($399,811 domestic, $93,269 international).

How is Julia rated?

Julia has 8.3/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.

Does Julia have a post-credit scene?

No. Julia has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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