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Drama

Make Up (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Make Up (2020) movie poster

Make Up is a 2020 drama directed by Claire Oakley, starring Molly Windsor as Ruth, Joseph Quinn and Lisa Palfrey. It runs 1 hour 26 minutes and earned $32,229 worldwide on a $500,000 budget. Critics gave it 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Stream it on Mometu and Pluto TV, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
worldwide gross
$32.2K
Echo Score
50
Metascore
81
Make Up (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 26m (86 min)
Director
Claire Oakley
Genre
Drama
Original language
Korean
Budget
$500K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Make Up About?

The premise of Make Up without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A heartfelt drama explores the enduring power of love and connection in a rapidly changing world. The story celebrates the solace and joy found in relationships, highlighting the transformative bonds that sustain us through life's evolution. It’s a poignant reflection on how love remains a constant source of strength and comfort.

Make Up Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • suspense
  • psychological thriller
  • sexual awakening
  • cornwall
  • boyfriend girlfriend relationship
  • suspicion
  • male female relationship
  • female female kiss
  • walkie talkie
  • obsession
  • sex in a shower
  • overhearing sex
+38 more
  • looking at oneself in a mirror
  • 18 year old
  • masturbation
  • biting someone
  • beach
  • woman bites a man
  • lesbian interest
  • strand of hair
  • sexual attraction
  • exploring sexuality
  • friendship between women
  • lipstick kiss
  • trailer park
  • coming of age
  • jealousy
  • shower
  • lesbian sex
  • spoon sticking to nose
  • fumigation
  • power outage
  • kiss
  • vomiting
  • teenage girl
  • character says i love you
  • lesbian
  • nail polish
  • slow dancing
  • sea
  • spaghetti
  • nightmare
  • watching someone having sex
  • crying
  • cooking
  • animal noises
  • kissing on the beach
  • dream
  • undressing
  • can opener
Where to watch

Where to Watch Make Up

Stream it on Mometu and Pluto TV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Make Up Cast & Characters

Molly Windsor leads the cast as Ruth, with Joseph Quinn as Tom and Lisa Palfrey as Shirley. Directed by Claire Oakley; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Make Up

· 6 more
Ratings

Make Up Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Make Up 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in sensory experience (60) and weakest in character & emotion (40).

50 /100

Make Up Echo Score Breakdown

Make Up presents a visually distinctive approach worth noting, but narrative and character elements feel uneven. Many reviewers welcomed the imaginative direction and atmosphere, praising the subtle visual storytelling and cohesive setting. However, inconsistent pacing, underdeveloped relationships, and sparse emotional depth drew criticism from several viewers. The blend of drama and suspense was seen as uneven, creating a mixed experience. Overall, the film offers atmospheric promise but lacks sustained engagement.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, Make Up exhibits a distinctive visual approach tempered by technical inconsistencies. Reviewers highlighted the imaginative direction and the coherent bleak setting. At the same time, many mentioned uneven editing and a lack of refined cinematography. As a result, the film’s visual ambitions are notable but unevenly realized.

  • Character & Emotion 40

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film struggles with underdeveloped relationships and subdued performances. Some viewers noted the lead actress’s nuanced presence, but most described the protagonist as two-dimensional and emotionally distant. Critics also pointed to shallow chemistry with supporting roles. Consequently, emotional engagement remains limited.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative is characterized by uneven pacing and unclear genre focus. Some reviewers appreciated the gradual suspense and innovative exploration of uncertainty, while others criticized the meandering structure and sparse plot developments. The blend of drama and subtle horror contributes to a disjointed tone. Overall, the storytelling provides intriguing moments but lacks cohesive momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    The sensory experience blends an evocative atmosphere with variable technical execution. Viewers praised the unsettling soundscape and subtle score, noting effective sound design. The bleak visual style was commended for its cohesion, though some critics cited inconsistent cinematography. The film’s sensory elements are compelling in mood but uneven in execution.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Regarding rewatch value, opinions are divided and lean toward limited repeat engagement. A subset of viewers reported deeper insight upon subsequent viewings, appreciating subtle developments. However, many found the slow pacing and sparse narrative reduced its lasting appeal. As a result, the film’s rewatch potential is modest at best.

Plot

Make Up Plot Summary

What happens in Make Up from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ruth finds herself at a caravan park in Cornwall, where she is set to live with her boyfriend, Tom, who works there. Upon her arrival, she meets Shirley, the park manager, and Kai, the maintenance assistant. After being shown to Tom’s caravan by Kai, Ruth is thrilled to finally be with her boyfriend.

Full summary

The whole story of Make Up, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Make Up Box Office & Budget

Make Up grossed $32,229 worldwide on a $500,000 budget, 6% of what it cost.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$32.2K

6% of its budget back

International
$32.2K
Budget
$500K
Videos

Make Up Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.

MAKE UP | Official UK Trailer | In Cinemas & On Curzon Home Cinema 31 July
  • Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Make Up?

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 Ruth's fear that she discusses with Shirley?

Details

Make Up Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “메이크 업” and “Маникюр”.

Also known as
  • 메이크 업
  • Маникюр
  • 粉妆

Seen Make Up?

FAQ

Make Up FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Make Up, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Make Up?

Make Up runs 1 hour 26 minutes (86 minutes).

When was Make Up released?

Make Up was released on November 13, 2020.

Who directed Make Up?

Make Up was directed by Claire Oakley.

More films by Claire Oakley

Who is in the cast of Make Up?

Make Up stars Molly Windsor as Ruth, Joseph Quinn as Tom and Lisa Palfrey as Shirley, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Make Up?

In the US, Make Up is streaming on Mometu and Pluto TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies and YouTube (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Make Up make at the box office?

Make Up grossed $32,229 worldwide on a budget of $500,000.

How is Make Up rated?

Make Up has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 81 on Metacritic, 59% on TMDB and 2.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Make Up have a post-credit scene?

No. Make Up has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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