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Short mystery drama

Limbo (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Limbo (2019) movie poster

Limbo is a 2019 short mystery drama directed by Nalle Sjöblad, starring Martti Suosalo as Markku and Iida Kuningas. It runs 10 minutes and earned $921,894 worldwide on a $80,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 74/100.

worldwide gross
$921.9K
Echo Score
74
budget
$80K
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Limbo (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
10 min
Director
Nalle Sjöblad
Genres
Drama , Mystery
Original language
Finnish
Budget
$80K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Limbo About?

The premise of Limbo without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Markku, a long-time accountant, is fired from his company and must confront his younger HR manager, Eeva, who delivered the news. As they descend a quiet office staircase, Markku struggles with bitterness and anger over his unexpected termination after many years of service. Their routine farewell takes an unexpected turn when something unusual occurs, disrupting the ordinary atmosphere.

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Cast & crew

Limbo Cast & Characters

Martti Suosalo leads the cast as Markku, with Iida Kuningas as Eeva. Directed by Nalle Sjöblad.

Ratings

Limbo Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (68).

74 /100

Limbo Echo Score Breakdown

Limbo presents a thoughtful exploration of the refugee experience through a restrained visual style and a balanced tone that oscillates between humour and melancholy. Critics and many viewers commend its elegant cinematography and nuanced performances, while some note a deliberate pacing that can feel sluggish. The narrative’s modest originality and episodic structure generate mixed reactions, yet the film’s emotional core remains resonant. Consequently, the work delivers a meaningful, though occasionally uneven, cinematic impression.

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

  • Art & Craft 78

    Regarding direction and visual craftsmanship, Limbo benefits from measured pacing and an understated cinematographic palette that highlights the isolation of the Scottish island. Critics mention the film’s elegant simplicity and effective composition, and users highlight the panoramic landscapes and clear camera work. However, a few reviewers find certain format choices distracting and the overall tempo sluggish. Overall, the film’s artful execution is solid, though not uniformly compelling.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    Characterisation centers on the refugee ensemble, with particular praise for Amir El‑Masry’s nuanced portrayal of Omar and Vikash Bhai’s quirky supporting turn. Critics note the humanistic vision and chemistry among the cast, while users appreciate the emotional resonance of the protagonists’ relationships. Some commenters describe moments of forced humour or underdeveloped side characters, suggesting uneven depth. In sum, performances largely succeed in delivering empathy, despite occasional lapses.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Story-wise, Limbo weaves a modestly original narrative about asylum seekers awaiting decisions, blending comedy with drama. Critics commend its heartfelt balance of tragedy and wit, yet acknowledge a slow‑paced structure that may test patience. User feedback mirrors this divide, with some finding the plot meandering and lacking novelty, while others value its emotional honesty and quiet climax. The overall storytelling is earnest but occasionally hindered by pacing.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The sensory experience is highlighted by a restrained soundtrack and clear sound design that support the film’s deadpan tone. Reviewers praise the understated visual style, the open‑space composition, and the effective use of natural lighting to convey isolation. A minority note occasional audio‑visual gimmicks that detract from immersion. Overall, the sensory elements complement the narrative without overwhelming it.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch potential is bolstered by the film’s poignant subject matter and strong central performances, which many viewers find rewarding on subsequent viewings. Critics emphasize its lasting relevance and emotional depth, while some audience members note that the slow pacing and occasional forced humor may diminish repeat enjoyment. Nonetheless, the film’s unique blend of humor and tragedy leaves a memorable impression that encourages viewers to return for its nuanced insights.

Plot

Limbo Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Limbo from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

On a fictional remote Scottish island, a small group of refugees are living in a sparsely furnished, temporary residence as they await the results of their asylum claims. The setting is intimate and quiet, but the air is heavy with the unease of waiting, the feeling that time itself has slowed to accommodate their uncertain futures.

Full summary

The whole story of Limbo, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Limbo Box Office & Budget

Limbo grossed $921,894 worldwide on a $80,000 budget, 12 times what it cost. $224,405 came from the US and Canada and $697,489 (76%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$921.9K

12× its budget

US & Canada
$224.4K
International
$697.5K
Budget
$80K
US & Canada 24% Rest of the world 76%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Limbo?

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 musical instrument does Omar carry with him throughout the film?

Cars

Cars in Limbo

6 cars on screen, including the 1992 Ford Orion MkIII and the 1990 Land-Rover Defender 90.

All 6 cars
  • 1992 Ford Orion MkIII in Limbo 1992 Ford Orion MkIII Important role
  • 1990 Land-Rover Defender 90 in Limbo 1990 Land-Rover Defender 90 Minor role
  • unknown in Limbo unknown Minor role
  • 2004 Vauxhall Combo MkII in Limbo 2004 Vauxhall Combo MkII Minor role

Seen Limbo?

FAQ

Limbo FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Limbo?

Limbo runs 10 minutes.

When was Limbo released?

Limbo was released on December 21, 2019.

Who directed Limbo?

Limbo was directed by Nalle Sjöblad.

Who is in the cast of Limbo?

Limbo stars Martti Suosalo as Markku and Iida Kuningas as Eeva.

How much did Limbo make at the box office?

Limbo grossed $921,894 worldwide ($224,405 domestic, $697,489 international) on a budget of $80,000.

Does Limbo have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Limbo in?

The original language of Limbo is Finnish.

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