Documentary

Pharma Bro (2021): Cast & Ratings

Name: Pharma Bro
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2021-10-05
Duration: 1 h 25 min
Cast: Ghostface Killah, Andrew Pollack, Travis Langley, Jacklyn Collier, Billy the Fridge

Pharma Bro is a 2021 documentary directed by Brent Hodge, starring Ghostface Killah, Andrew Pollack and Travis Langley. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes. Critics gave it 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.1/10.

IMDb rating: 5.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
Echo Score: 32

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Watch the trailer

Released: October 5, 2021
Runtime: 1h 25m (85 min)
Director: Brent Hodge
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: 1091 Pictures
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Pharma Bro About?

The premise of Pharma Bro without spoilers.

This documentary explores the rise and fall of Martin Shkreli, infamously known as Pharma Bro. It chronicles his career, focusing on the controversial decision to increase the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by an astonishing 5,500%, sparking widespread outrage. The film also examines his provocative online behavior and the legal consequences he faced, detailing his dramatic downfall from grace.

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Cast & crew

Pharma Bro Cast

Ghostface Killah leads the cast, with Andrew Pollack and Travis Langley. Directed by Brent Hodge; 10 actors are credited in all.

Director Brent Hodge

Ghostface Killah as themselves
Andrew Pollack as themselves
Travis Langley as themselves
Jacklyn Collier

Also Starring in Pharma Bro

· 6 more

From the director

More from Brent Hodge

More films directed by Brent Hodge, best-rated first: I Am Chris Farley, Longest Third Date, Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh and Who Let The Dogs Out.

Full filmography

Ratings

Pharma Bro Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Pharma Bro 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 32/100, strongest in sensory experience (40) and weakest in rewatch factor (25).

32 /100

Pharma Bro Echo Score Breakdown

Pharma Bro presents a documentary that largely fails to deliver a cohesive or enlightening portrait of its subject. While a few critics note its engaging pacing and occasional insightful interviews, the majority of feedback highlights an over‑focused director, uneven structure, and limited depth. Viewers consistently point to repetitive sequences, poor sound mixing, and a lack of substantive investigation into Shkreli’s crimes. The net result is a film that offers limited appeal beyond niche curiosity.

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

Art & Craft 35

Regarding art and craft, the documentary’s direction is criticized for centering the filmmaker rather than the subject, resulting in a muddled visual narrative. Cinematography and production design receive no notable praise, while editing is described as repetitive and unfocused. Consequently, the technical execution is viewed as subpar.
Character & Emotion 30

When evaluating character and emotion, reviewers note that interviewees provide limited insight and often serve to amplify the director’s presence rather than develop depth. Performances by subjects are described as superficial, and the documentary fails to convey significant emotional resonance or nuanced portrayals of Shkreli and his impact.
Story & Flow 30

The film’s story and flow are described as uneven, with pacing that collapses toward the end and a narrative that omits deeper exploration of legal and ethical dimensions. Critics mention occasional engaging moments, yet the overall structure is seen as repetitive and lacking coherent progression, reducing its substantive impact.
Sensory Experience 40

Sensory experience receives limited commendation; sound design and mixing are reported as poor, with issues in audio clarity and mismatched captions. Visual style is not highlighted for distinctiveness, and the soundtrack is considered unremarkable. Overall, the sensory components contribute little to enhancing viewer engagement.
Rewatch Factor 25

Rewatch factor is low, as most audience feedback describes the documentary as tedious and lacking new insights on repeat viewings. While a few note isolated interesting interviews, the overall consensus is that the film offers minimal replay value and fails to sustain lasting appeal.