Loving Vincent (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Loving Vincent is a 2017 animated drama directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, starring Robert Gulaczyk as Vincent van Gogh, Chris O'Dowd and Douglas Booth. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $42.2 million worldwide on a $5 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Directors
- Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Good Deed Entertainment
- Budget
- $5M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Loving Vincent About?
The premise of Loving Vincent without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In Auvers-sur-Oise, France, Vincent van Gogh dies under mysterious circumstances. This film explores the events leading up to the iconic artist's final hours and seeks to uncover the truth behind his untimely death. Through a poignant inquiry, the story sheds light on the events and people surrounding Van Gogh during his last days, offering a unique perspective on the life and legacy of a celebrated genius whose work profoundly impacted the world.
Loving Vincent Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- painting
- artist
- death
- doctor
- suicide
- guilt
- torment
- anguish
- vincent van gogh character
- obsession
- famous painting
- painter
+38 more Show fewer
- character name in title
- year 1891
- letter
- reference to paul gauguin
- suicide by gunshot
- train
- mental illness
- drunkenness
- hand delivering a letter
- prostitute
- friendship
- gossip
- gunshot wound
- genius
- adult animation
- rotoscoped
- rotoscoping
- controversial artist
- european art
- art
- european artist
- postman
- investigation
- flashback
- severed ear
- throwing a stone
- shot in the stomach
- cemetery
- reference to henri de toulouse lautrec
- inn
- boat
- rowboat
- crow
- angling
- fishing
- pipe smoking
- church
- cigarette smoking
Loving Vincent Cast & Characters
Robert Gulaczyk leads the cast as Vincent van Gogh, with Chris O'Dowd as Postman Joseph Roulin and Douglas Booth as Armand Roulin. Directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman; 12 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Dorota Kobiela
- Co-director Hugh Welchman
- Robert Gulaczyk as Vincent van Gogh
-
Chris O'Dowd as Postman Joseph Roulin -
Douglas Booth as Armand Roulin - John Sessions as Pere Tanguy
Also Starring in Loving Vincent
· 8 more- Saoirse Ronan Marguerite Gachet
- Eleanor Tomlinson Adeline Ravoux
- Helen McCrory Louise Chevalier
- Jerome Flynn Doctor Gachet
- Aidan Turner The Boatman
- Josh Burdett The Zouave
- Holly Earl La Mousme
- Robin Hodges Lieutenant Milliet
More from Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman
One more film directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman: The Peasants.
Loving Vincent Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Loving Vincent 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (35).
Loving Vincent Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Loving Vincent impresses most through its pioneering visual execution while its narrative shortcomings moderate the experience. Critics and audiences agree that the hand-painted animation and bold color palette create an immersive world that elevates the film beyond standard biopics. However, the repetitive flashback structure and underdeveloped script prevent the story from achieving consistent engagement. The soundtrack adds emotional nuance, but character arcs and pacing remain uneven. In sum, the film stands as a visually magnetic yet narratively mixed achievement.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, the film’s hand-painted animation is its defining strength. Reviews highlight the immersive brushstrokes, bold impasto brought to life, and the breakthrough use of 65,000 painted frames. Many critics called it a staggering visual achievement and breakthrough in animation technique. Overall, the film’s art direction stands out as an ambitious and largely successful showcase of artistic craftsmanship.
- Character & Emotion 60
When it comes to character and emotion, the performances are generally serviceable but not transformative. Observers note that actors are sketched convincingly within the paintings and deliver solid portrayals. However, limited dialogue depth and the script’s focus on visual style leave character arcs underdeveloped. Overall, the emotional resonance is present but falls short of deeper character engagement.
- Story & Flow 35
In terms of story and flow, the narrative often struggles with coherence and repetition. Several accounts describe a formulaic investigative structure with intermittent flashbacks that feel overused. Critics point out that the plot fails to sustain momentum, leading to a limp pacing in places. Overall, the storyline provides basic entertainment but lacks the originality and engagement found elsewhere in the film.
- Sensory Experience 75
Regarding sensory experience, the film excels beyond its visuals through a complementary score and cohesive sound design. Commentators praise the melancholy melodies that enhance Van Gogh’s emotional undertones and soundscapes that blend with the painting-like imagery. The 4:3 format may challenge some viewers, but the auditory and visual style work in harmony. Overall, the sensory elements reinforce the film’s immersive atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 75
In terms of rewatch factor, the movie’s visual ingenuity drives its strongest appeal for subsequent viewings. Many viewers express willingness to revisit the film to study its painted frames and artistic detail. Yet, the repetitive structure and thin plot may limit broader replay value. Overall, the film invites re-examination for its craftsmanship but may not sustain repeated narrative engagement.
-
IMDb 7.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 84% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 87%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 62 Metascore
User score 8.2
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 80% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.0 /5
3.7K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.8 /5
See on Movie Insider
Loving Vincent Plot Summary
What happens in Loving Vincent from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
One year following the tragic suicide of Vincent van Gogh, postman Joseph Roulin enlists his son Armand to deliver Vincent’s final letter to his brother, Theo. Troubled by the circumstances surrounding Vincent’s death—especially since he had communicated a sense of calm just weeks prior—Roulin is convinced that something is amiss. Reluctantly, Armand sets off for Paris to fulfill his father’s request.
Full summary
The whole story of Loving Vincent, scene by scene
Loving Vincent Box Office & Budget
Loving Vincent grossed $42.2 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, 8.4 times what it cost. $6.7 million came from the US and Canada and $35.5 million (84%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$42.2M
8.4× its budget
- US & Canada
- $6.7M
- International
- $35.5M
- Budget
- $5M
Loving Vincent Awards & Nominations
Loving Vincent was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 7 nominations come from 6 ceremonies, the most at the Golden Globes 2015.
7 nominations6 ceremonies
-
Critics' Choice 2018 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature
-
Annie Awards 2018 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature — Independent
-
BAFTA 2018 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Film – Dorota Kobiela
-
Golden Globes 2018 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature Film
Show all 6 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
-
Oscars 2018 1 nomination- Nominated Animated Feature Film
-
Golden Globes 2015 2 nominations- Nominated Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy – Bill Murray
- Nominated Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Loving Vincent Trailers & Videos
27 videos: 1 trailer, 5 teasers, 1 clip, 14 featurettes and 6 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Teaser Teaser Trailer 2
- Teaser Teaser Trailer 1
- Teaser TV Spot
- Teaser Official UK Teaser
How Well Do You Know Loving Vincent?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is tasked with delivering Vincent van Gogh's last letter?
Cars in Loving Vincent
15 cars on screen, including the 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria and the 1962 Ford Galaxie 500.
-
1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria Important role -
1962 Ford Galaxie 500 Important role -
1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Minor role -
1955 Chevrolet Two-Ten Minor role
Loving Vincent Also Known As
28 alternative titles, including “梵谷:星夜之謎” and “Com Amor”.
- Also known as
-
- 梵谷:星夜之謎
- Com Amor
- Van Gogh
- A Paixão de Van Gogh
- S láskou Vincent
- З любов'ю
- Вінсент
- 러빙 빈센트
- KP18: Jūsų Vincentas
- دوستدار تو، ونسان
- La Passion Van Gogh
- Vincent'ten Sevgilerle
+16 more Show fewer
- Да обичаш Винсент
- Ван Гог. С любовью
- Винсент
- Vincent Thương Mến
- 至爱梵高·星空之谜
- Twój Vincent
- לאהוב את וינסנט
- Cartas de Van Gogh
- Jūsų Vincentas
- Cu drag
- Rakkaudella Vincent
- Szeretettel: Vincent
- 情謎梵高
- ゴッホ 最期の手紙
- ภาพสุดท้ายของแวนโก๊ะ
- باعشق، وینسنت
Seen Loving Vincent?
Movies Like Loving Vincent
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Vincent, Van Gogh and At Eternity's Gate.
Loving Vincent FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Loving Vincent, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Loving Vincent?
Loving Vincent runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Loving Vincent released?
Loving Vincent was released on September 22, 2017.
Who directed Loving Vincent?
Loving Vincent was directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman.
Who is in the cast of Loving Vincent?
Loving Vincent stars Robert Gulaczyk as Vincent van Gogh, Chris O'Dowd as Postman Joseph Roulin and Douglas Booth as Armand Roulin, among 12 credited actors.
How much did Loving Vincent make at the box office?
Loving Vincent grossed $42.2 million worldwide ($6.7 million domestic, $35.5 million international) on a budget of $5 million.
How is Loving Vincent rated?
Loving Vincent has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 62 on Metacritic and 80% on TMDB.
Was Loving Vincent nominated for any awards?
Loving Vincent received 7 nominations across 6 ceremonies.
Does Loving Vincent have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Loving Vincent has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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