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Animated drama

Loving Vincent (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Loving Vincent (2017) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
84%
worldwide gross
$42.2M
award nominations
7
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Loving Vincent (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Original language
English
Budget
$5M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Loving Vincent

· 8 more
From the directors

More from Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman

One more film directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman: The Peasants.

Ratings

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).

67 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$42.2M

8.4× its budget

US & Canada
$6.7M
International
$35.5M
Budget
$5M
US & Canada 16% Rest of the world 84%
Awards

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

Show all 6 ceremonies
  • Academy Awards (Oscars) logo
    Oscars 2018 1 nomination
    • Nominated Animated Feature Film
  • Golden Globe Awards logo
    Golden Globes 2015 2 nominations
    • Nominated Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy – Bill Murray
    • Nominated Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Videos

Loving Vincent Trailers & Videos

27 videos: 1 trailer, 5 teasers, 1 clip, 14 featurettes and 6 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 27 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Teaser Trailer 2
  • Teaser Teaser Trailer 1
  • Teaser TV Spot
  • Teaser Official UK Teaser
Quiz

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

  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

Who is tasked with delivering Vincent van Gogh's last letter?

Cars

Cars in Loving Vincent

15 cars on screen, including the 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria and the 1962 Ford Galaxie 500.

All 15 cars
  • 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria in Loving Vincent 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria Important role
  • 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 in Loving Vincent 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 Important role
  • 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle in Loving Vincent 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Minor role
  • 1955 Chevrolet Two-Ten in Loving Vincent 1955 Chevrolet Two-Ten Minor role
Details

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
  • 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?

FAQ

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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