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A dedicated mother and botanist cultivates a unique crimson flower, designed to promote happiness. As she cares for "Little Joe," she begins to suspect the plant’s influence extends beyond simple contentment, and a growing unease takes root. She must confront the possibility that her creation has developed a life and will of its own, leading her to question the true nature of its power and its effect on those around her.

A dedicated mother and botanist cultivates a unique crimson flower, designed to promote happiness. As she cares for "Little Joe," she begins to suspect the plant’s influence extends beyond simple contentment, and a growing unease takes root. She must confront the possibility that her creation has developed a life and will of its own, leading her to question the true nature of its power and its effect on those around her.

Does Little Joe have end credit scenes?

No!

Little Joe does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Little Joe

Explore the complete cast of Little Joe, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Little Joe

See how Little Joe is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Little Joe stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

65

In overall terms, Little Joe delivers a visually meticulous and thematically provocative journey into manufactured happiness, but its restrained emotional palette and deliberate pacing polarize audiences. Critics and viewers highlighted its hypnotic staging, satirical undercurrents, and second‐viewing rewards, yet many found the narrative cohesion and character connection lacking. The film stands out for its distinctive art direction and conceptual depth, but its measured tempo and affective detachment may limit broader appeal.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Little Joe

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, Little Joe demonstrates a refined aesthetic sensibility through its precise framing, disciplined color palette, and meticulous production design. Critics and viewers alike noted the striking symmetries, controlled camera movements, and iconic imagery of the greenhouse and institute. The film’s visual rigor leaves a memorable impression in each scene, reinforcing its thematic concerns.

65
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the performances offer subtlety but sometimes maintain an emotional distance. Emily Beecham’s measured portrayal of Alice conveys poised restraint, yet secondary characters often feel underexplored. While some found the maternal dynamic provocative and psychologically layered, others experienced a sterile tone that limited emotional investment. Ultimately, the film balances nuanced intent with occasional affective detachment.

50
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, Little Joe unfolds at a deliberately measured pace that emphasizes thematic exploration. Reviewers praised its conceptual framing of happiness and ethical questions, but criticized uneven pacing and structural gaps that hinder narrative momentum. The plant’s psychological premise intrigues, yet the slow build and lack of a definitive climax leave the plot feeling underdeveloped. Net, thematic richness competes with plodding execution.

75
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to the sensory experience, the film crafts an unsettling atmosphere through its layered sound design and refined visual style. Incidental music and high‐pitched drones create a persistent tension, while discordant audio motifs punctuate key moments. Combined with the poised cinematography, these elements generate a cohesive mood that underlines the film’s eerie, clinical tone and satirical undertones.

55
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch value, Little Joe reveals additional layers upon subsequent viewings, particularly in its thematic nuances and visual motifs. Observers found that the interplay between design elements and narrative symbolism becomes clearer over time. However, the film’s slow pacing and structural ambiguities may diminish immediate repeat appeal for some viewers. In sum, the second viewing deepens appreciation for style but not necessarily for engagement.

Metacritic

60

Metascore

4.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

66%

TOMATOMETER

review

41%

User Score

IMDb

5.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

57

%

User Score

Movie Insider

1.00/5

From 2 fan ratings

Awards & Nominations for Little Joe

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Little Joe, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Little Joe and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


13th Gaudí Awards 2021

Nomination

Best European Film

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Little Joe

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Little Joe. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official US Trailer

Official International Trailer

Clip

Jessica Hausner & Emily Beecham on Little Joe, Sci-Fi, and Frankenstein

Emily Beecham on Little Joe | BFI Q&A

BFI at Home: Little Joe director Jessica Hausner, in conversation with Carol Morley | BFI

Mark Kermode reviews Little Joe (2019) | BFI Player

LIVING ROOM Q&As: Little Joe with Jessica Hausner, Emily Beecham and Kerry Fox

Little Joe Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


teenage boydogdog attackpet dogdark satireputting down a dogfemale protagonistflowerplantscientistlaboratorygreenhousegmogenetically modified organismgenetic engineeringmother son relationshipsingle motherteenagerpsychiatristf ratedfemale dog loverparanoianeglected sonpsychological horrorgenetic manipulationplant invasionpet plantanti depressantmental illnesspet name for a plantmind altering pollenevil plantmind controlplant breederfemale plant breederlabsterile plantpollinationforced kissrejectionmissing dogtest footagehuman guinea piginhaling pollenmind altering substancesuicide attemptknocked unconsciouscreator tries to kill her creationgaslightingevil wins
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