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Materna (2021): Cast & Ratings

Materna (2021) movie poster

Materna is a 2021 drama directed by David Gutnik, starring Kate Lyn Sheil as Jean, Lindsay Burdge and Rory Culkin. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
Echo Score
47
Metascore
52
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Materna (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Director
David Gutnik
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Utopia
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Materna About?

The premise of Materna without spoilers.

In a vivid portrayal of New York City, four women from vastly different backgrounds find their lives intersecting. Hailing from diverse worlds of class, politics, race, and religion, they embark on a quest for identity and meaningful human connection. Facing personal struggles and as their circumstances become increasingly chaotic, a transformative encounter deep underground forces them to confront their vulnerabilities and fight for survival, ultimately seeking to understand who they truly are.

Materna Themes & Keywords

· 5 tags
  • medical
  • motherhood
  • british
  • sex scene
  • cheating wife
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Cast & crew

Materna Cast & Characters

Kate Lyn Sheil leads the cast as Jean, with Lindsay Burdge as Ruth and Rory Culkin as Gabe. Directed by David Gutnik; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from David Gutnik

One more film directed by David Gutnik: Rule of Two Walls.

Full filmography
Ratings

Materna Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Materna 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 47/100, strongest in sensory experience (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (35).

47 /100

Materna Echo Score Breakdown

Materna presents an ambitious anthology that strives to interweave disparate women's lives, yet the execution often feels fragmented. Critics note the film’s visual polish but criticize the uneven cohesion and underdeveloped narratives, leading to a sense of missed potential. While a few reviewers find the concept intriguing, the prevailing impression is one of scattered storytelling that struggles to sustain engagement. Consequently, the film registers a modest overall rating.

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 direction and visual design, Materna is marked by a formally beautiful aesthetic that some critics describe as almost too polished. The cinematography and production design receive praise for their understated elegance, yet the same precision is said to impart a schematic quality that clashes with the film’s intended emotional depth. Overall, the craftsmanship is competent but occasionally detracts from narrative authenticity.

  • Character & Emotion 45

    When evaluating acting and character depth, reviewers highlight the ensemble’s talent but lament the limited time allocated to each story. The short runtimes hinder the development of nuanced performances, resulting in surface‑level portrayals that struggle to resonate emotionally. Though a few critics acknowledge moments of enigmatic presence, the overall character work feels uneven and insufficiently explored.

  • Story & Flow 40

    Regarding plot coherence and pacing, Materna is frequently described as a collection of half‑finished drafts that never fully coalesce. Critics point to the fragmented structure and generic ideas, suggesting the anthology’s ambition outpaces its narrative execution. While some viewers find the overarching concept intriguing, the lack of sustained engagement and clear through‑line leaves the story feeling disjointed.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    The sensory experience of Materna receives mixed remarks, with its visual style praised for an understated color palette and meticulous composition. However, the emphasis on formal beauty is said to create a schematic atmosphere that undercuts the intended emotional resonance. Sound design and music receive little commentary, implying they neither enhance nor detract significantly from the overall sensory impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 35

    Rewatch potential for Materna appears limited, as critics note the anthology’s uneven segments and unfinished narratives diminish its lasting appeal. The fragmented structure and lack of deep character investment make subsequent viewings unlikely to reveal new layers. Although a small portion of the film intrigues, the overall experience does not encourage repeated engagement.

Videos

Materna Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Materna.

Materna | Official Trailer | Utopia

Seen Materna?

FAQ

Materna FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Materna, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Materna?

Materna runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was Materna released?

Materna was released on August 6, 2021.

Who directed Materna?

Materna was directed by David Gutnik.

More films by David Gutnik

Who is in the cast of Materna?

Materna stars Kate Lyn Sheil as Jean, Lindsay Burdge as Ruth and Rory Culkin as Gabe, among 10 credited actors.

How is Materna rated?

Materna has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic and 45% on TMDB.

Does Materna have a post-credit scene?

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

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