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Documentary

North Circular (2023): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

North Circular (2023) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$16.3K
Echo Score
68
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North Circular (2023) movie poster
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
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in North Circular

· 3 more
Ratings

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).

68 /100

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.

Box office

North Circular Box Office & Budget

North Circular grossed $16,258 worldwide on a $120,000 budget, 14% of what it cost.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$16.3K

14% of its budget back

International
$16.3K
Budget
$120K
Details

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?

FAQ

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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