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Sci-fi film

King Car (2022): Cast & Ratings

King Car (2022) movie poster

King Car is a 2022 sci-fi film directed by Renata Pinheiro, starring Matheus Nachtergaele as Zé Macaco, Tavinho Teixeira and Luciano Pedro Jr.. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes. Critics gave it 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
79%
Echo Score
78
Metascore
71
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King Car (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Renata Pinheiro
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original language
Portuguese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is King Car About?

The premise of King Car without spoilers.

In a world where cars can talk, a young man discovers he possesses the unique ability to communicate with them. Recalling a vehicle that saved his life, he joins forces with his uncle to restore and revitalize discarded cars, forming a fleet of talking vehicles known as "King Car." Their innovative business challenges powerful corporations, revealing a dark undercurrent of greed and a threat far greater than they initially suspected.

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Cast & crew

King Car Cast & Characters

Matheus Nachtergaele leads the cast as Zé Macaco, with Tavinho Teixeira as Carro Rei, Deputy Audileyson and Luciano Pedro Jr. as Uno aka Ninho. Directed by Renata Pinheiro; 6 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in King Car

· 2 more
From the director

More from Renata Pinheiro

More films directed by Renata Pinheiro: Mansão do Amor, Açúcar and Love, Plastic and Noise.

Full filmography
Ratings

King Car Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave King Car 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

78 /100

King Car Echo Score Breakdown

King Car delivers a visually striking experience anchored by bold direction and inventive framing, while the cast provides consistently strong performances that elevate the film’s eccentric premise. Critics note that the narrative occasionally loses focus, leaving plot threads unresolved and pacing uneven, which hampers full engagement. Despite these structural flaws, the movie’s daring style and occasional humor grant it a memorable, if imperfect, place in contemporary Brazilian cinema. The net impression is one of ambitious artistry tempered by uneven storytelling.

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

  • Art & Craft 90

    From a visual standpoint, King Car excels in its daring framing and inventive composition, employing an eclectic color palette that underscores its thematic boldness. Critics highlight the precise camera work and fluid choreography, which together construct a cohesive aesthetic despite occasional narrative distractions. The overall craft demonstrates a high level of artistic ambition.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    The performances anchor the film’s eccentric premise, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals that navigate the story’s surreal elements. Reviewers commend the actors for maintaining emotional credibility even when interacting with anthropomorphic cars, and note strong chemistry among the leads. While the script offers limited depth, the skillful execution keeps audience engagement alive.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative presents an ambitious concept that blends philosophical undertones with a motor‑centric metaphor, yet it frequently stumbles over pacing and coherence. Critics point out unresolved plot questions and a tendency to overindulge in jargon, which dilutes momentum. Although moments of originality spark interest, the overall flow remains uneven, limiting full immersion.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The film’s sensory palette combines a thumping soundtrack with vivid visual motifs, reinforcing its kinetic energy. Reviewers praise the sound design for amplifying the cars’ personality and the striking cinematography that captures both urban grit and surreal beauty. Minor inconsistencies in mixing occasionally distract, but the overall sensory experience remains compelling.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    King Car’s unconventional premise and bold visual flair give it a distinct identity that encourages repeat viewings, especially for audiences attuned to experimental cinema. While narrative flaws may deter some, the film’s humor, eclectic style, and memorable set pieces provide lasting appeal. Consequently, it offers moderate rewatch value, rewarding viewers who appreciate its audacious spirit.

Videos

King Car Trailers & Videos

The trailer of King Car.

Carro Rei – trailer | IFFR 2021
Details

King Car Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “킹 카” and “Царь-машина”.

Also known as
  • 킹 카
  • Царь-машина
  • 车王

Seen King Car?

FAQ

King Car FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of King Car, each answered in a sentence.

How long is King Car?

King Car runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was King Car released?

King Car was released on January 7, 2022.

Who directed King Car?

King Car was directed by Renata Pinheiro.

More films by Renata Pinheiro

Who is in the cast of King Car?

King Car stars Matheus Nachtergaele as Zé Macaco, Tavinho Teixeira as Carro Rei, Deputy Audileyson and Luciano Pedro Jr. as Uno aka Ninho, among 6 credited actors.

How is King Car rated?

King Car has 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic, 59% on TMDB and 2.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Does King Car have a post-credit scene?

No. King Car has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is King Car in?

The original language of King Car is Portuguese.

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