North Circular (2023): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
North Circular is a 2023 documentary directed by Luke McManus, starring Johnny Flynn, Lisa O'Neill and Eoghan O'Ceannabháin. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $16,258 worldwide on a $120,000 budget. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 25m (85 min)
- Director
- Luke McManus
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Lightbox
- Budget
- $120K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is North Circular About?
The premise of North Circular without spoilers.
A black-and-white documentary explores Dublin's North Circular Road, blending history, music, and the vibrant street life of the area. The film journeys from Phoenix Park to Dublin Port, examining colonial legacies, mental health challenges, and the fight for women's liberation. Contemporary issues like the preservation of cultural heritage amidst gentrification are also addressed, with local artists sharing their performances and perspectives along the route.
North Circular Cast
Johnny Flynn leads the cast, with Lisa O'Neill and Eoghan O'Ceannabháin. Directed by Luke McManus; 7 actors are credited in all.
- Director Luke McManus
-
Johnny Flynn as themselves - Lisa O'Neill as themselves
- Eoghan O'Ceannabháin as themselves
- Gemma Dunleavy as themselves
Also Starring in North Circular
· 3 more- Ian Lynch Themselves
- John Francis Flynn Themselves
- Séan Ó Túama Themselves
North Circular Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave North Circular 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in story & flow (55).
North Circular Echo Score Breakdown
North Circular presents a richly textured portrait of inner‑city Dublin, driven by an exceptional musical backdrop and a striking black‑and‑white visual palette. While critics commend its originality and emotional resonance, the film’s structure occasionally feels unfocused, leading some viewers to question its narrative cohesion. Audience reactions are polarized, ranging from high praise for its cultural documentation to criticism of its representational choices. The result is a mixed but compelling documentary that rewards attentive viewing.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, the film’s black‑and‑white cinematography and measured editing receive consistent commendation. Reviewers note the gorgeous visual composition and a “grainy” aesthetic that underscores the historic setting. Some critics mention occasional sketchiness and unfocused moments, suggesting uneven execution. Overall, the technical presentation is solid, with visual artistry outweighing minor lapses.
- Character & Emotion 60
When evaluating character and emotional depth, the documentary’s focus on community voices generates both empathy and contention. Positive commentary highlights poignant performances and a rallying‑cry sentiment, while negative feedback describes the portrayal as condescending and exploitative. The emotional impact is therefore uneven, producing a moderate impression of character work that resonates for some viewers but alienates others.
- Story & Flow 55
Story and flow are marked by an original, disarming approach that interweaves multiple narratives. Critics appreciate this inventive structure but also cite a lack of clear progression, describing the film as “slightly unfocused” and “sketchy” in parts. User critiques emphasize confusing sequencing and insufficient context. The storytelling thus sits in a middle range, offering novelty at the expense of coherence.
- Sensory Experience 88
Sensory experience stands out as the film’s strongest element, driven by an acclaimed musical score that blends trad and folk interludes. Reviewers repeatedly reference the music’s vitality and its role in shaping atmosphere. The black‑and‑white visual style further enhances the sensory impact, earning high praise across critiques. Consequently, the auditory and visual components receive a markedly high evaluation.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch factor reflects a divided audience response. Enthusiastic viewers recommend repeat viewings for its cultural insight and musical richness, whereas detractors cite exploitative tones and structural flaws that diminish repeat appeal. The film’s lasting impression is therefore moderate, offering sufficient depth for some to revisit, but insufficient consensus to guarantee broad rewatch enthusiasm.
-
IMDb 7.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 67%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 75 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 100% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
502 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
North Circular Box Office & Budget
North Circular grossed $16,258 worldwide on a $120,000 budget, 14% of what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$16.3K
14% of its budget back
- International
- $16.3K
- Budget
- $120K
North Circular Also Known As
Also known as “North Circular. A Music Trip Through Dublin’s North Inner City”.
- Also known as
-
- North Circular. A Music Trip Through Dublin’s North Inner City
Seen North Circular?
North Circular FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of North Circular, each answered in a sentence.
How long is North Circular?
North Circular runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).
When was North Circular released?
North Circular was released on July 28, 2023.
Who directed North Circular?
North Circular was directed by Luke McManus.
More films by Luke McManus Who is in the cast of North Circular?
North Circular stars Johnny Flynn, Lisa O'Neill and Eoghan O'Ceannabháin, among 7 credited actors.
How much did North Circular make at the box office?
North Circular grossed $16,258 worldwide on a budget of $120,000.
How is North Circular rated?
North Circular has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 100% on TMDB.
Does North Circular have a post-credit scene?
No. North Circular has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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