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Sci-fi thriller

Level 16 (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Level 16 (2019) movie poster

Level 16 is a 2019 sci-fi thriller directed by Danishka Esterhazy, starring Katie Douglas as Vivien, Celina Martin and Josette Halpert. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $15,575 worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
83%
worldwide gross
$15.6K
Echo Score
65
Metascore
46
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Level 16 (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Genres
Sci-Fi , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Level 16 About?

The premise of Level 16 without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

At the restrictive Vestalis Academy, Vivien’s isolated life is unexpectedly altered by the return of Sophia, a former friend who betrayed her. Together, they begin to investigate the academy’s dark secrets and the reasons for their confinement. Their search leads them into a dangerous struggle for survival, forcing them to confront terrifying truths and make a perilous choice: escape the academy or succumb to its sinister control.

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Cast & crew

Level 16 Cast & Characters

Katie Douglas leads the cast as Vivien, with Celina Martin as Sophia and Josette Halpert as Olivia. Directed by Danishka Esterhazy; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Level 16

· 6 more
From the director

More from Danishka Esterhazy

More films directed by Danishka Esterhazy, best-rated first: The Banana Splits Movie, Slumber Party Massacre, Sniper: The Last Stand and Killer Body Count.

Full filmography
Ratings

Level 16 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Level 16 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

65 /100

Level 16 Echo Score Breakdown

It delivers a moderately engaging dystopian mystery with strengths in thematic depth but suffers from uneven pacing and a sterile aesthetic. Critics praised its feminist undercurrents and maintained sense of foreboding, while some noted monotony and a lack of narrative surprises from user feedback. The atmosphere holds interest but the third act and transitions feel underdeveloped. Net: a watchable but imperfect genre exercise with mixed appeal.

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 and craft, the film’s visual design is distinctive but often feels overly sterile. Critics noted a monochromatic palette and a sanitized aesthetic that emphasizes surreal gloom at the expense of warmth. Some reviewers highlighted economical production values and minimalist set pieces that lend a measured, controlled atmosphere. Overall, the design supports the dystopian tone but can feel visually constrained.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    In terms of character and emotion, the ensemble delivers a mix of committed performances with sporadic artificiality. Critics praised its nuanced exploration of feminist themes and the growing intensity of the protagonists’ bonds, while some noted depth in emotional stakes. User feedback echoed appreciation for the girls’ solidarity but criticized occasionally stilted dialogue. Overall, character work remains engaging yet uneven.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative offers compelling dystopian themes but suffers from uneven pacing and occasional predictability. Critics acknowledged its steady build of suspense and feminist commentary, though some found the third act thin and familiar. User reactions highlighted strong tension early on but pointed to awkward scene transitions and clichéd elements. Overall, the plot remains engaging in parts but uneven across its runtime.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    In terms of sensory experience, the film combines a minimal soundscape and austere visuals to create a restrained atmosphere. Critics emphasized its surreal gloom and controlled auditory cues, though the absence of a distinctive soundtrack leaves some scenes feeling muted. User observations praised the effective use of limited sound effects and practical design, even if immersion can feel constrained. Overall, the sensory palette supports the tone but offers limited richness.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s focused dystopian mood offers less broad replay appeal. Critics indicated that its specialized genre tone will satisfy dedicated horror viewers but may not entice repeated viewings. User feedback generally described it as worth a one-time watch, with few expressing desire to revisit the narrative. Overall, the film holds modest lasting appeal and limited rewatch potential.

Plot

Level 16 Plot Summary

What happens in Level 16 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Within the mysterious walls of Vestalis, a boarding school steeped in secrecy, a strict hierarchy dictates the lives of its young residents. The institution thrives on a principle of conformity, shaping girls into obedient and immaculate beings through the enforcement of “feminine virtues” characterized by subservience and meticulousness. The corridors echo with the presence of military discipline, where the ultimate reward for conformity is the chance of adoption by affluent families. Any deviation from this strict regimen is met with harsh punishment, instilling dread in all who live within these confines.

Full summary

The whole story of Level 16, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Level 16 Box Office

Level 16 grossed $15,575 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$15.6K

International
$15.6K
Videos

Level 16 Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Level 16.

Level 16 - Official Movie Trailer (2019)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Level 16?

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the primary goal of the Vestalis boarding school?

Cars

Cars in Level 16

1 car on screen: the 2013 Audi A4 B8.

  • 2013 Audi A4 B8 in Level 16 2013 Audi A4 B8 Minor role
Details

Level 16 Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Nivel 16” and “레벨16”.

Also known as
  • Nivel 16
  • 레벨16
  • Poziom 16
  • Seviye 16
  • Уровень 16
  • Ниво 16
  • A 16-os szint
  • 레벨 16
  • 芳龄十六
  • Рівень 16
  • 致命青春
  • שלב 16
+5 more
  • レベル16 服従の少女たち
  • Cấp 16
  • 16. razina
  • Nivell 16
  • Nivelul 16

Seen Level 16?

FAQ

Level 16 FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Level 16, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Level 16?

Level 16 runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Level 16 released?

Level 16 was released on March 1, 2019.

Who directed Level 16?

Level 16 was directed by Danishka Esterhazy.

More films by Danishka Esterhazy

Who is in the cast of Level 16?

Level 16 stars Katie Douglas as Vivien, Celina Martin as Sophia and Josette Halpert as Olivia, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Level 16 make at the box office?

Level 16 grossed $15,575 worldwide.

How is Level 16 rated?

Level 16 has 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 46 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Does Level 16 have a post-credit scene?

No. Level 16 has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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