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Drama

Percy (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Percy (2020) movie poster

Percy is a 2020 drama directed by Clark Johnson, starring Christopher Walken as Percy Schmeiser, Marjorie Roden and Luke Kirby. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. Its Echo Score is 67/100.

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Percy (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Clark Johnson
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Percy About?

The premise of Percy without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A third-generation farmer, Percy Schmeiser finds himself in a legal battle with a powerful corporation after being accused of using their patented seeds. Facing limited resources, he teams up with a young lawyer, Jackson Weaver, and an environmental activist, Rebecca Salcau. Together, they embark on a significant case that challenges corporate control over agricultural practices and ultimately reaches the Supreme Court, raising questions about farmers' rights and intellectual property.

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Cast & crew

Percy Cast & Characters

Christopher Walken leads the cast as Percy Schmeiser, with Marjorie Roden as Percy supporter (uncredited) and Luke Kirby as Peter Schmeiser. Directed by Clark Johnson; 33 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Percy

· 29 more
Show all 33 cast members
From the director

More from Clark Johnson

More films directed by Clark Johnson, best-rated first: Juanita, Percy Vs Goliath, S.W.A.T. and The Sentinel.

Full filmography
Ratings

Percy Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

67 /100

Percy Echo Score Breakdown

Percy delivers a solid biographical drama anchored by strong performances, especially from Christopher Walken and Christina Ricci, while its anti‑corporate message remains clear. The direction and visual style are functional but often lean toward generic, limiting cinematic intrigue. The narrative follows a familiar underdog formula with predictable beats, which reduces narrative tension despite earnest themes. Consequently, the film holds interest for viewers engaged by its cause, yet offers limited incentive for repeat viewings.

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

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film employs straightforward direction and conventional cinematography that occasionally capture the Saskatchewan landscape beautifully. Reviewers note a simplistic visual approach and generic courtroom framing, which detracts from a more distinctive aesthetic. While some scenic shots receive praise for their color and composition, the overall production design remains functional rather than innovative, resulting in a modest technical impression.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    Character work stands out as the film's greatest strength, driven by Walken's nuanced portrayal of Percy and Ricci's consistent performance. Critics highlight the emotional center provided by these leads, though they note limited screen time for Braff's character and an over‑emphasized activist role. Overall, the cast delivers credible, resonant performances that elevate the material, offering depth and sincerity that compensate for other shortcomings.

  • Story & Flow 65

    The story follows a familiar David‑vs‑Goliath template, presenting a clear but predictable legal battle. Reviewers appreciate the relevance of the real‑world issue and the underdog appeal, yet criticize the pacing as sluggish and the narrative as overly straightforward. The plot’s linear progression and lack of surprising twists render it competent but not especially compelling, placing it in the middle of the storytelling spectrum.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory elements receive mixed feedback; the film’s soundtrack is largely unremarked, while visual style varies between generic interior shots and striking outdoor scenery. Some reviewers commend the scenic vistas and occasional vivid color palette, but overall the auditory and stylistic choices remain understated, offering little in the way of memorable sensory impact beyond functional accompaniment.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch potential is limited by the film’s predictable structure and modest visual flair. While dedicated viewers may return for Walken's performance and the thematic relevance, the slow pacing and lack of narrative surprises reduce incentive for multiple viewings. Consequently, the film provides a respectable single‑watch experience but lacks strong lasting appeal.

Plot

Percy Plot Summary

What happens in Percy from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Based on Schmeiser v. Monsanto, Percy Schmeiser, Christopher Walken is a Saskatchewan canola farmer who becomes the target of a high-stakes corporate lawsuit. The filing claims that his fields contained Monsanto’s Roundup-resistant crops and accuses him of intellectual property theft. Percy, a longtime seed saver who did not plant Monsanto seeds, believes the seeds in his soil arrived through contamination from neighboring farms rather than deliberate theft. Monsanto seeks to seize all of his seeds and the profits he earned from the following year’s harvest, framing the case as a battle over ownership of genetic technology and the rights of a small farmer against a powerful corporation.

Full summary

The whole story of Percy, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Percy Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Percy.

PERCY Trailer [HD] Mongrel Media
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Percy?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor portrays Percy Schmeiser in the 2020 film Percy?

Cars

Cars in Percy

24 cars on screen, including the 1981 Dodge Ram and the 1996 Chevrolet Express.

All 24 cars
  • 1981 Dodge Ram in Percy 1981 Dodge Ram Main role
  • 1996 Chevrolet Express in Percy 1996 Chevrolet Express Important role
  • 1997 GMC Sierra in Percy 1997 GMC Sierra Important role
  • John Deere 8820 in Percy John Deere 8820 Important role
Details

Percy Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “Percy Vs. Goliath” and “Percy vs Goliath”.

Also known as
  • Percy Vs. Goliath
  • Percy vs Goliath
  • 珀西
  • L'Affaire Percy
  • פרסי נגד גוליית
  • Uma Voz Contra o Poder
  • Άνισος Αγώνας
  • Percy versus Goliáš
  • 퍼시
  • Una voz contra el poder
  • Il processo Percy
  • Перси
+1 more
  • Percy contra Goliat

Seen Percy?

FAQ

Percy FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Percy, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Percy?

Percy runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Percy released?

Percy was released on September 16, 2020.

Who directed Percy?

Percy was directed by Clark Johnson.

More films by Clark Johnson

Who is in the cast of Percy?

Percy stars Christopher Walken as Percy Schmeiser, Marjorie Roden as Percy supporter (uncredited) and Luke Kirby as Peter Schmeiser, among 33 credited actors.

Does Percy have a post-credit scene?

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

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