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Thriller

Kaleidoscope (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Kaleidoscope (2017) movie poster

Kaleidoscope is a 2017 thriller directed by Rupert Jones, starring Toby Jones as Carl, Karl Johnson and Anne Reid. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $6,980 worldwide. Critics gave it 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
67%
worldwide gross
$7K
Echo Score
60
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Kaleidoscope (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Rupert Jones
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kaleidoscope About?

The premise of Kaleidoscope without spoilers.

After being released from prison, Carl begins to rebuild his life, finding solace in a blossoming romance. However, the unexpected return of his mother disrupts his progress, unleashing a deeply buried trauma. His world descends into a disorienting mix of fractured memories and shifting perceptions, as the distinction between past and present becomes increasingly unclear. As Carl struggles to cope, violent events threaten to shatter his fragile stability.

Kaleidoscope Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • written by director
  • apartment
  • washing machine
  • mother son relationship
  • murder
  • newspaper headline
  • mother son estrangement
  • mother son conflict
  • bedroom
  • suitcase
  • date
  • blind date
+38 more
  • neighbor
  • sleeping on a couch
  • ex convict
  • missing wife
  • photograph
  • lipstick on a glass
  • murder suspect
  • van
  • strangulation
  • bathroom
  • kitchen
  • fireplace
  • gardener
  • cell phone
  • suspicion
  • plastic bag
  • kaleidoscope
  • kaleidoscope image
  • mother son incest subtext
  • questioned by police
  • internet dating
  • loud shirt
  • middle aged man
  • wounded knee
  • scraped knee
  • dead woman
  • laundromat
  • stairwell
  • ransacking
  • broken foot
  • crutches
  • toy
  • dead father
  • blocking a door with a chair
  • grabbed by the throat
  • boxer shorts
  • dripping blood
  • daydream
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Cast & crew

Kaleidoscope Cast & Characters

Toby Jones leads the cast as Carl, with Karl Johnson as John and Anne Reid as Aileen. Directed by Rupert Jones; 8 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Kaleidoscope

· 4 more
From the director

More from Rupert Jones

One more film directed by Rupert Jones: The Sickie.

Full filmography
Ratings

Kaleidoscope Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Kaleidoscope 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

60 /100

Kaleidoscope Echo Score Breakdown

In balance, Kaleidoscope’s disciplined visual and directorial approach emerges as the film’s primary asset, but it is undermined by a fragmented narrative structure and uneven pacing. Critics highlight sustained tension through careful camera composition and editing, yet many also point to a schematic screenplay that strains credibility and engagement. Performances by the leads are consistently recognized as a key asset, though character development remains shallow. Overall, the film delivers a distinctive style but yields a mixed viewing experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of Art & Craft, the direction exhibits a rigorous control of tension and composition, supported by measured editing choices. Observers note the visual geometry and production design evoke a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of Hitchcock and Polanski, though some find the pacing of certain sequences overly deliberate. The cinematography’s use of confined spaces reinforces the protagonist’s psychological state. Overall, the craft remains one of the film’s most compelling elements.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    Regarding Character & Emotion, the performances are widely acknowledged for their intensity and nuance, particularly in the depiction of inner turmoil and strained relationships. Critics highlight the leads’ capacity to convey guilt and desperation, even as the screenplay limits opportunities for deeper connection. The emotional resonance is intermittently strong but occasionally undermined by schematic plotting. In sum, the acting remains a core asset despite constrained character development.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative structure is characterized by deliberate ambiguity and non-linear sequencing, which some find thematically intriguing but others view as confusing. Reviews cite a hackneyed plot undercut by schematic writing and uneven pacing, leading to moments of disengagement. While the premise offers thought-provoking questions about memory and perception, the execution stalls before delivering satisfying clarity. Overall, the storytelling yields a mixed level of engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In terms of Sensory Experience, the film’s visual style is likened to an unsettling dream, with deliberate lighting and production design that reinforce psychological unease. A sparse score and sound cues contribute to a tension-filled atmosphere, though neither soundtrack nor sound design is noted as a standout element. The cohesive visual palette draws on classic suspense influences while maintaining an edge. Overall, the sensory design enhances the film’s moody tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s dense ambiguity and narrative opacity may engage viewers seeking puzzle-like structure but risk diminishing appeal on subsequent viewings. The deliberate withholding of information sustains initial curiosity, yet the repetitive thematic motifs and unresolved questions can feel unsatisfying over time. While some may appreciate the chance to re-explore subtle visual clues, the limited narrative clarity constrains broader replay value. Overall, rewatch potential remains modest.

Box office

Kaleidoscope Box Office

Kaleidoscope grossed $6,980 worldwide.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$7K

International
$7K
Videos

Kaleidoscope Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope – Official Trailer I HD I IFC Midnight
Details

Kaleidoscope Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “Калейдоскоп” and “万花筒”.

Also known as
  • Калейдоскоп
  • 万花筒
  • Caleidoscópio
  • 칼레이도스코프

Seen Kaleidoscope?

FAQ

Kaleidoscope FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Kaleidoscope?

Kaleidoscope runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Kaleidoscope released?

Kaleidoscope was released on December 8, 2017.

Who directed Kaleidoscope?

Kaleidoscope was directed by Rupert Jones.

More films by Rupert Jones

Who is in the cast of Kaleidoscope?

Kaleidoscope stars Toby Jones as Carl, Karl Johnson as John and Anne Reid as Aileen, among 8 credited actors.

How much did Kaleidoscope make at the box office?

Kaleidoscope grossed $6,980 worldwide.

How is Kaleidoscope rated?

Kaleidoscope has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic and 56% on TMDB.

Does Kaleidoscope have a post-credit scene?

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

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