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Action western

News of the World (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

News of the World (2020) movie poster

News of the World is a 2020 action western directed by Paul Greengrass, starring Helena Zengel as Johanna, Tom Hanks and Andy Kastelic. It is based on News of the World by Paulette Jiles. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $12.7 million worldwide on a $38 million budget. It was nominated for 4 Oscars. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
worldwide gross
$12.7M
award nominations
19
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News of the World (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 58m (118 min)
Director
Paul Greengrass
Genres
Action , Adventure , Drama , History
Original language
English
Budget
$38M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is News of the World About?

The premise of News of the World without spoilers, adapted from News of the World by Paulette Jiles. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Following the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a seasoned storyteller, takes on a vital mission in Texas. He must deliver Johanna, a young girl raised by the Kiowa people, to her surviving relatives. Their journey through a vast and dangerous landscape is fraught with peril, challenging their bond and exposing them to the harshness of a nation rebuilding itself. They face both natural obstacles and cultural clashes as they strive to reach their destination.

News of the World Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • rescue
  • wild west
  • sandstorm
  • texas
  • native american
  • soldier
  • united states of america
  • american indian
  • american civil war veteran
  • captain
  • horseback riding
  • abducted girl
+38 more
  • kiowa tribe
  • aunt niece relationship
  • uncle niece relationship
  • storytelling
  • 10 year old
  • 10 year old girl
  • man girl relationship
  • survival
  • ex confederate army officer
  • orphan
  • orphaned girl
  • man reads a newspaper
  • bureau of indian affairs
  • murder
  • black american
  • african american
  • ex confederate soldier
  • post american civil war
  • chase
  • pursuit
  • man dresses
  • shootout
  • wagon train
  • san antonio texas
  • dead wife
  • locket
  • husband visits his wife's grave
  • wedding ring
  • widower
  • girl tied to a post
  • epilogue
  • lantern
  • wichita falls texas
  • newspaper
  • pocket watch
  • man with a beard
  • magnifying glass
  • rifle
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Cast & crew

News of the World Cast & Characters

Helena Zengel leads the cast as Johanna, with Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd and Andy Kastelic as Union Duty Officer. Directed by Paul Greengrass; 30 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Paul Greengrass

More films directed by Paul Greengrass, best-rated first: The Bourne Ultimatum, Bloody Sunday, United 93 and The Bourne Supremacy.

Full filmography
Ratings

News of the World Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave News of the World 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

80 /100

News of the World Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, News of the World offers a visually rich and emotionally grounded Western that resonates through its strong direction and lead performances. While critics and many viewers commend the film’s thoughtful craftsmanship and authentic period detail, several note its deliberate pacing and occasional predictability. The narrative unfolds at an unhurried rhythm that may test some audience patience but rewards engagement with its nuanced character interplay. In sum, the film leaves a favorable impression anchored by its artistry and heart.

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 excels in its measured direction and striking cinematography. Reviewers frequently highlight the expansive compositions and seamless visual transitions that evoke the rugged landscape. The production design captures authentic period detail without distracting from the narrative. Overall, the craft remains largely invisible in a positive way, supporting the story through restrained editing and cohesive visual language.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    In terms of character and emotion, performances are widely recognized for their nuanced depth and sincerity. Critics praise the chemistry between leads, noting how the dynamic interaction conveys genuine care and gradual trust. Viewers often remark on the subtle emotional stakes that underpin each exchange, lending resonance to key moments. Together, these elements foster a believable bond that anchors the film’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 60

    When it comes to story and flow, the film adopts a deliberate pace that divides opinion. While many praise its clear narrative trajectory and thematic consistency, several note moments of predictability and minimal action. The straightforward plot delivers coherent progression but may feel overly familiar to seasoned Western audiences. Overall, the measured unfolding enhances thematic depth even as it challenges engagement for some viewers.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Regarding the sensory experience, the film presents a cohesive visual style complemented by a restrained musical score. Critics and viewers highlight the naturalistic sound design that immerses the audience in ambient elements like creaking wheels and wind-swept plains. The soundtrack supports rather than overwhelms the images, reinforcing mood through subtle thematic motifs. The unified audio-visual approach strengthens the sense of authenticity throughout.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch factor, opinions are varied given the film’s steady rhythm. Some viewers appreciate renewed insights into character interactions upon subsequent viewings, noting the subtle period details that become more apparent. Others find the narrative too familiar to warrant multiple viewings, citing its predictable structure. In balance, the film offers modest replay value, particularly for those drawn to its character dynamics and artisanal craft.

Plot

News of the World Plot Summary

What happens in News of the World from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the tumultuous year of 1870, we follow Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, portrayed by Tom Hanks, a former Confederate officer who ekes out a living traversing Texas. Kidd’s unique trade involves reading the news to residents of various towns for a mere ten cents per person. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon an overturned wagon, discovering the body of a lynched black freedman. Amid this grim scene, he finds a young girl who identifies herself as Cicada and speaks only Kiowa.

Full summary

The whole story of News of the World, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

News of the World Box Office & Budget

News of the World grossed $12.7 million worldwide on a $38 million budget, 33% of what it cost.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$12.7M

33% of its budget back

US & Canada
$12.7M
Budget
$38M
Awards

News of the World Awards & Nominations

News of the World was nominated for 4 Oscars. The 19 nominations come from 5 ceremonies, the most at the Critics' Choice 2021.

19 nominations5 ceremonies

Show all 5 ceremonies
Videos

News of the World Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

News of the World - Official Trailer
  • Teaser News of the World - In Theaters Christmas (TV Spot #1)
  • Behind the Scenes Behind the Scenes of News of the World | Own it Now on Digital, 4k & Blu-ray
Quiz

How Well Do You Know News of the World?

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 plays the character Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd?

Details

News of the World Also Known As

33 alternative titles, including “Neues aus der Welt” and “Новости со всего света”.

Also known as
  • Neues aus der Welt
  • Новости со всего света
  • 結叛同行
  • Relatos do Mundo
  • 读报人
  • นิวส์ ออฟ เดอะ เวิลด์ สู่เส้นทางกลับบ้าน
  • Noticias del gran mundo
  • Новости со всех концов света
  • La Mission
  • Zprávy ze světa
  • Notizie dal mondo
  • Dünyadan Haberler
+21 more
  • A kapitány küldetése
  • 讀報人
  • Noticias del Mundo
  • 뉴스 오브 더 월드
  • 世界新闻
  • Του Κόσμου τα Νέα
  • Nowiny ze świata
  • Notícias do Mundo
  • Новини з усього світу
  • חדשות העולם הגדול
  • Chuyến Đi Định Mệnh
  • Новини от света
  • Pasaulio naujienos
  • สู่เส้นทางกลับบ้าน
  • この茫漠たる荒野で
  • Вести из света
  • Novice sveta
  • Zprávy zo sveta
  • اخبار جهان
  • Uudiseid laiast ilmast
  • Noutăți din lumea largă

Seen News of the World?

FAQ

News of the World FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of News of the World, each answered in a sentence.

How long is News of the World?

News of the World runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

When was News of the World released?

News of the World was released on December 25, 2020.

Who directed News of the World?

News of the World was directed by Paul Greengrass.

More films by Paul Greengrass

Who is in the cast of News of the World?

News of the World stars Helena Zengel as Johanna, Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd and Andy Kastelic as Union Duty Officer, among 30 credited actors.

How much did News of the World make at the box office?

News of the World grossed $12.7 million worldwide on a budget of $38 million.

How is News of the World rated?

News of the World has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.

Is News of the World based on a book?

Yes. News of the World is adapted from News of the World by Paulette Jiles.

Was News of the World nominated for any awards?

News of the World received 19 nominations across 5 ceremonies.

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