O.G. (2018): Cast & Ratings
O.G. is a 2018 drama directed by Madeleine Sackler, starring Jeffrey Wright as Louis Menkins, Theothus Carter and Mare Winningham. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes. Its Echo Score is 74/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 53m (113 min)
- Director
- Madeleine Sackler
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- HBO Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is O.G. About?
The premise of O.G. without spoilers.
After 26 years in prison, Louis Menkins is just five weeks away from his release. As he prepares to re-enter society, he faces a difficult choice: risk jeopardizing his own freedom to protect a young man named Beecher, who is caught up in dangerous gang conflicts. Louis must confront his past and decide whether to intervene, potentially altering both of their futures.
O.G. Cast & Characters
Jeffrey Wright leads the cast as Louis Menkins, with Theothus Carter as Beecher and Mare Winningham as Janice. Directed by Madeleine Sackler; 31 actors are credited in all.
- Director Madeleine Sackler
-
Jeffrey Wright as Louis Menkins - Theothus Carter as Beecher
-
Mare Winningham as Janice -
William Fichtner as Danvers
Also Starring in O.G.
· 27 more- David Patrick Kelly Larry
- Boyd Holbrook Pinkins
- Yul Vazquez Baxter
- Kevin Jackson Mo
- Yolonda Ross Beecher's Sister
- Ryan Cutrona Piner
- Ato Essandoh Sean Black
- David Burnett Younger Prisoner #2
- Bahni Turpin Ludlow
- Stephanie Berry Karen James
- James Durham Terry
- Amanda Christine Daughter
- Christopher anderson Bit
- Candido Carter Louis's Son
- Brooke Edwards Forensic Photographer
- Lisa Ash Molly
Show all 31 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Steven Foster Sr. Rocca
- Challie A. Gray J.J. Beans
- Christopher Helsley Todd
- Earl Hogan Ben
- Kyle McKinney Sgt. Lenny
- Markus Murray White Supremacist
- Amy Pauszek Prison Visitor
- Alan M. Stacy Officer Bauer
- Rushawn Tanksley Pete
- Milo Walker Younger Prisoner #1
- J.C. Jackson
More from Madeleine Sackler
More films directed by Madeleine Sackler, best-rated first: The Lottery and O Horizon.
O.G. Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in story & flow (58).
O.G. Echo Score Breakdown
O.G. delivers a compelling portrait of prison life anchored by Jeffrey Wright's performance, yet its narrative structure falls short of delivering a fully satisfying drama. Reviewers commend the film's realistic atmosphere, documentary‑style visuals, and strong emotional resonance, while repeatedly noting an underdeveloped script and limited plot momentum. The direction and production choices underscore authenticity, but the lack of narrative depth hampers sustained engagement. Consequently, the film stands as a potent character study that may not sustain repeated viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
Artistic execution benefits from on‑location shooting and utilitarian cinematography that lend the film a documentary feel. Critics note several well‑composed shots and effective use of prison interiors, while the pacing is described as deliberately measured rather than dynamic. Overall, the visual craft solidly supports the story’s realism.
- Character & Emotion 92
Character work centers on Jeffrey Wright’s nuanced portrayal of a seasoned inmate facing release, delivering emotional depth that many reviewers highlight as the film’s primary strength. Supporting performances, including William Fichtner, provide credible contrast, though few comments address secondary casting. The combined performances create a resonant, humanized core that anchors the narrative.
- Story & Flow 58
Storywise, the film presents a realistic glimpse into the final weeks of incarceration but suffers from an under‑developed script that leaves key thematic threads unresolved. Reviewers praise the moral dilemma at its core yet repeatedly cite thin plot mechanics and limited narrative momentum. Consequently, the story feels more like a vignette than a fully fleshed drama.
- Sensory Experience 72
The sensory palette relies on restrained sound design and natural lighting that reinforce the documentary ambience. While no standout musical score is mentioned, ambient noise and muted color tones create an immersive prison atmosphere. Critics observe occasional visual surprises but overall the sensory elements remain subtle, serving the film’s grounded aesthetic.
- Rewatch Factor 66
Rewatch potential hinges on Wright’s performance and the film’s authentic setting rather than plot-driven thrills. Viewers appreciative of character studies may return for the nuanced emotional beats, yet the thin narrative and deliberate pacing limit strong incentive for multiple viewings. Overall, the movie offers modest replay value for a niche audience.
O.G. Trailers & Videos
The trailer of O.G..
Cars in O.G.
8 cars on screen, including the 1995 Chevrolet C-2500 and the unknown.
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1995 Chevrolet C-2500 Important role -
unknown Important role -
Jeep Cherokee Minor role -
Jeep Wrangler Minor role
O.G. Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “OG” and “O.G. con Jeffrey Wright”.
- Also known as
-
- OG
- O.G. con Jeffrey Wright
- З.К.
- Гангстер докрай
- Prawdziwy gangster
- הגנגסטר המקורי
- O.G. - Original Gangsta
- O.G. Original Gangster
- 自由在门外
- 오리지널 갱스터
Seen O.G.?
O.G. FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of O.G., each answered in a sentence.
How long is O.G.?
O.G. runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).
When was O.G. released?
O.G. was released on April 20, 2018.
Who directed O.G.?
O.G. was directed by Madeleine Sackler.
More films by Madeleine Sackler Who is in the cast of O.G.?
O.G. stars Jeffrey Wright as Louis Menkins, Theothus Carter as Beecher and Mare Winningham as Janice, among 31 credited actors.
Does O.G. have a post-credit scene?
No. O.G. has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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