News of the World (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- Paul Greengrass
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
- Budget
- $38M
- Based on
- News of the World by Paulette Jiles
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
-
Director Paul Greengrass
-
Helena Zengel as Johanna -
Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd - Andy Kastelic as Union Duty Officer
-
Mare Winningham as Doris Boudlin
Also Starring in News of the World
· 26 more- Stafford Douglas Dallas Federal Officer
- Elizabeth Marvel Mrs. Gannett
- Thomas Francis Murphy
- Fred Hechinger John Calley
- Chukwudi Iwuji
- Clint Obenchain
- Annacheska Brown
- Chris Bylsma Red River Heckler
- Michael Angelo Covino Almay
- Neil Sandilands
- Christopher Hagen
- Brenden Wedner Young Progressive Speaker
- Travis Johnson Cavalry Rider
- J. Nathan Simmons
- Jeffrey Ware Red River Heckler
- Stephanie Hill
Show all 30 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Tom Astor Cavalry Lieutenant
- Winsome Brown
- David Hight
- Michelle Campbell
- Justin Tade Red River Heckler
- Steve Boyles
- Cynthia Casaus
- Francheska Bardacke
- Jeff Ware
- John Travis Johnson
More from Paul Greengrass
More films directed by Paul Greengrass, best-rated first: The Bourne Ultimatum, Bloody Sunday, United 93 and The Bourne Supremacy.
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).
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.
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IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 88% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 89%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 73 Metascore
User score 6.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.2 /5
24 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.1 /5
See on Movie Insider
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
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.
Worldwide gross
$12.7M
33% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $12.7M
- Budget
- $38M
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
-
Critics' Choice 2021 7 nominations- Nominated Best Actor – Tom Hanks
- Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay – Paul Greengrass
- Nominated Best Cinematography – Dariusz Wolski
- Nominated Best Picture
- Nominated Best Production Design
-
BAFTA 2021 4 nominations- Nominated Best Cinematography
- Nominated Best Original Music
- Nominated Best Production Design
- Nominated Best Sound
-
Oscars 2021 4 nominations- Nominated Cinematography
- Nominated Music (Original Score)
- Nominated Production Design
- Nominated Sound
-
Actor Awards (SAG) 2021 2 nominations- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Helena Zengel
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Golden Globes 2021 2 nominations- Nominated Best Original Score
- Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture (Supporting Actress) – Helena Zengel
News of the World Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- 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
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
- 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 plays the character Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd?
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 Show fewer
- 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?
Movies Like News of the World
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Kid, The Cowboys and 1883.
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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