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Documentary

Obit (2017): Ratings & Box Office

Obit (2017) movie poster

Obit is a 2017 documentary directed by Vanessa Gould. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $315,049 worldwide. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$315K
Echo Score
78
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Obit (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Vanessa Gould
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Obit About?

The premise of Obit without spoilers.

Within the bustling newsroom of The New York Times, a dedicated team of obituary writers preserves the stories of those about to pass. They meticulously craft compelling narratives, transforming lives into lasting legacies. Each deadline represents a race against time, prompting reflection on memory, mortality, and the enduring power of storytelling. The writers balance journalistic rigor with a touch of artistry, immortalizing individuals and their impact on history.

Obit Themes & Keywords

· 9 tags
  • new york times
  • new york times the newspaper
  • reference to the new york times
  • obituary writer
  • newspaper obituary
  • writing an obituary
  • reference to the kennedy nixon debates
  • archive footage
  • obituary
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Crew

The Director of Obit

Directed by Vanessa Gould.

Ratings

Obit Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Obit 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in story & flow (82) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

78 /100

Obit Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Obit excels as an engaging and warmly human documentary on obituary writing. It balances informative context with a modest tone that reviewers found both charming and insightful. The film’s steady pacing and clear focus on its subjects foster consistent interest, though a few observers noted a predictable structure at points. Together, these elements produce a thoughtful portrait that delivers an accessible and appealing exploration of its unusual subject.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of Art & Craft, Obit demonstrates solid technical execution and thoughtful compositional choices. Reviewers noted its polished editing and graceful observational style, with well-timed sequences that underscore its modest humor. The documentary’s restrained visual design supports its storytelling purpose. Overall, the film’s craft conveys a consistent and accessible aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, the film offers a personable portrait of its subjects with genuine warmth. Critics appreciated the soulful depiction of obituary writers and their dedication, highlighting honest anecdotes and understated wit. Emotional resonance arises from the humanizing focus on daily routines. The net effect is an engaging and empathetic character study.

  • Story & Flow 82

    In terms of Story & Flow, Obit maintains clear organization and consistent pacing throughout its depiction of obituary production. Viewers cited its engaging structure, with transitions that preserve momentum and occasional reflective moments that deepen context. Some noted a modestly predictable progression, yet the film’s originality in subject matter sustains interest. Overall, it delivers a coherent and accessible narrative.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When it comes to Sensory Experience, the documentary employs subtle sound design and a restrained soundtrack that complement its observational approach. Visual elements favor an understated color palette and unobtrusive framing, supporting focus on the subjects. While not overly stylized, the cohesion of audio and visuals reinforces the film’s tone. The result is a tasteful sensory presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, Obit offers insightful content that viewers may revisit for its informative perspective. The film’s thoughtful interviews and humanized portrayal encourage reflection on obituary writing practices. However, its reliance on a single-topic focus may limit multiple viewings for some audiences. On balance, it retains modest lasting appeal for those interested in journalism and remembrance.

Box office

Obit Box Office

Obit grossed $315,049 worldwide.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$315K

US & Canada
$315K
Videos

Obit Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Obit.

Obit.
Details

Obit Also Known As

34 alternative titles, including “არასწორი მშობლები” and “De Repente Uma Família”.

Also known as
  • არასწორი მშობლები
  • De Repente Uma Família
  • Rodzina od zaraz
  • Familia al Instante
  • Apprentis Parents
  • Почти истинско семейство
  • Instant család
  • Семья по-быстрому
  • פתאום משפחה
  • Родина за хвилину
  • Στιγμιαία Οικογένεια
  • 失驚無神一家人
+22 more
  • Plötzlich Familie
  • Instant Family - Når 2 bliver til 5
  • 인스턴트 패밀리
  • Najednou jsme rodina
  • Şipşak Aile
  • Une famille immédiate
  • 速成家庭
  • Família Instantânea
  • Instant obitelj
  • Kiirperekond
  • Familie de-a gata
  • Инстант породица
  • Instant druzina
  • Con Nuôi Bất Đắc Dĩ
  • ครอบครัวปุ๊บปั๊บ
  • Odrazu sme rodina
  • Šeimynėlė
  • インスタント・ファミリー ~本当の家族見つけました~
  • Família a l’instant
  • Ģimene uz līdzenas vietas
  • خانواده فوری
  • इंस्टंट फ़ैमिली

Seen Obit?

FAQ

Obit FAQ: Box Office, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Obit, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Obit?

Obit runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Obit released?

Obit was released on April 26, 2017.

Who directed Obit?

Obit was directed by Vanessa Gould.

More films by Vanessa Gould

How much did Obit make at the box office?

Obit grossed $315,049 worldwide.

How is Obit rated?

Obit has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Does Obit have a post-credit scene?

No. Obit has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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