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Documentary

North by Current (2021): Cast & Ratings

North by Current (2021) movie poster

North by Current is a 2021 documentary starring Angelo Madsen Minax. It runs 1 hour 26 minutes. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
Echo Score
76
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North by Current (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 26m (86 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is North by Current About?

The premise of North by Current without spoilers.

Angelo Madsen Minax’s documentary follows a deeply personal journey of truth and self-discovery. After the sudden loss of his niece, the filmmaker returns to his Michigan hometown to examine the circumstances surrounding her death and question the justice system. This investigation leads him to confront complex family dynamics, generational trauma, and the challenges of faith and identity. The film explores the intricate relationships between siblings and their parents, revealing a nuanced portrait of a family grappling with addiction and loss.

North by Current Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • death
  • town
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Cast & crew

North by Current Cast

Angelo Madsen Minax stars in North by Current.

Ratings

North by Current Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave North by Current 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (65).

76 /100

North by Current Echo Score Breakdown

North by Current is an ambitious documentary that blends personal memoir with experimental form. Critics commend its poetic visual collage, nuanced portrayal of grief, and inventive structure, while some viewers note uneven pacing and occasional confusion arising from its hybrid storytelling. The film’s artistic daring is evident, though its unconventional approach may limit accessibility for broader audiences. Overall, the work stands out for its emotional depth and stylistic boldness, delivering a memorable but occasionally perplexing experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of art and craft, the film showcases a distinctive visual language, with critics praising its poetic editing, avant‑avant collage, and haunting musical integration. The cinematography is described as lyrical and experimental, reinforcing the personal narrative. However, some viewers feel the arthouse aesthetic overwhelms clarity, leading to a sense of artistic excess. The net impression is that the craftsmanship is strong but occasionally overreaching.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When it comes to character and emotion, reviewers highlight the intimate portrait of a grieving family and the filmmaker’s vulnerable self‑reflection. The emotional resonance of the subjects is noted as deeply personal and moving. User commentary supports this, calling the personal story compelling. Minor criticism points to occasional opacity, yet overall the character work is seen as nuanced and emotionally effective.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Regarding story and flow, the documentary is praised for its originality and willingness to experiment beyond conventional narration. Critics describe it as evolving and richly layered. Conversely, some audience feedback mentions confusing narrative jumps and excessive length toward the end, which affect pacing. The balance of innovative structure and occasional disjointedness yields a mixed but fair assessment of the storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    The sensory experience receives strong commendation, with critics noting haunting music, whirling home‑video footage, and a cohesive avant‑garde aesthetic. The sound design and visual style are repeatedly described as lyrical and immersive, enhancing the film’s thematic weight. No significant negative remarks pertain to sensory elements, resulting in a high score that reflects a compelling auditory‑visual composition.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch factor is viewed as moderately high; the film’s unique approach and emotional depth encourage repeat viewings for some audiences. Critics label it unforgettable and fascinating, suggesting lasting appeal. However, user feedback points to confusion and length that may deter repeat engagement. The overall impression is that while the documentary possesses replay value for interested viewers, its experimental nature may limit broader rewatchability.

Videos

North by Current Trailers & Videos

The trailer of North by Current.

North By Current | Official Trailer | Berlinale 2021
Details

North by Current Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “今日北方” and “La corrente verso Nord”.

Also known as
  • 今日北方
  • La corrente verso Nord
  • Nord par le courant

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FAQ

North by Current FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of North by Current, each answered in a sentence.

How long is North by Current?

North by Current runs 1 hour 26 minutes (86 minutes).

When was North by Current released?

North by Current was released on November 5, 2021.

Who is in the cast of North by Current?

North by Current stars Angelo Madsen Minax.

How is North by Current rated?

North by Current has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does North by Current have a post-credit scene?

No. North by Current has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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