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Drama

Pity (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Pity (2018) movie poster

Pity is a 2018 drama directed by Babis Makridis, starring Costas Xikominos as Nikos, Evi Saoulidou and Makis Papadimitriou. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $64,733 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 76/100.

worldwide gross
$64.7K
Echo Score
76
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Pity (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Babis Makridis
Genre
Drama
Original language
Greek
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Pity About?

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

A man finds happiness only through sadness, cultivating a dependency on pity and seeking it from those around him. He actively manufactures unhappiness, seemingly needing to feel miserable to experience any sense of well-being. This is the story of a man who exists in a world that doesn’t provide him with the suffering he craves.

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Cast & crew

Pity Cast & Characters

Costas Xikominos leads the cast as Nikos, with Evi Saoulidou as Wife and Makis Papadimitriou as Dry clean shop owner. Directed by Babis Makridis; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Pity

· 8 more
From the director

More from Babis Makridis

More films directed by Babis Makridis: L and The Last Fakir.

Full filmography
Ratings

Pity Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (68).

76 /100

Pity Echo Score Breakdown

Pity delivers a bold, darkly comic vision that resonates strongly with fans of the Greek Weird Wave, offering moments of genuine laughter and striking visual flair. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the film's inventive humor, effective cinematography, and unique tonal balance, while several note that the final quarter feels jarring and undermines the overall cohesion. As a result, the film provides a memorable, if polarizing, experience that excels for its target audience but may alienate broader viewers.

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 and craft, the film showcases impressive direction and striking cinematography that many reviewers describe as exceptional and visually immersive. The use of Greek locations and an artful absurdist style are praised, though a few critics label the execution as mechanically dull or a poor imitation of Scandinavian aesthetics. Overall, the visual and directorial elements contribute significantly to the film’s artistic identity.

  • Character & Emotion 72

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally seen as solid, with particular commendation for the lead actress and the deadpan delivery that fuels the dark humor. Some viewers, however, find certain portrayals mechanical or the husband character repugnant, creating a mixed reception. Nonetheless, the acting largely supports the film’s unconventional tone.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative is praised for its clever, surreal dialogue and inventive premise that keeps viewers engaged in the first three quarters. Critics point out that the climax feels abrupt, predictable, or overly shocking, which disrupts the overall pacing. The story therefore stands out for originality but suffers from an uneven ending.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In the sensory experience, the film benefits from atmospheric sound design and a cohesive visual style that amplifies its absurdist mood. Outstanding cinematography and purposeful use of locations are highlighted, while a minority find the soundtrack confusing. The sensory elements largely enhance the film’s tonal intentions.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    As for rewatch factor, many viewers indicate they would revisit the film for its distinctive humor and artistic risk, describing it as a must‑see for genre enthusiasts. Conversely, some feel the ending leaves a sour impression, reducing the desire for repeat viewings. Consequently, the film offers strong replay value for a niche audience, though it may not compel broader repeat engagement.

Plot

Pity Plot Summary

What happens in Pity from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

A lawyer Costas Xikominos who is severely addicted to sadness is in a desperate need of pity, and he goes to great lengths to evoke it from others. His wife Evi Saoulidou lies in a coma after an accident, and friends and neighbors rally around him to offer comfort during her slow convalescence. Meanwhile, he takes on a new job helping two siblings whose father was brutally killed, and he carefully examines the dynamics of the murder, using the same emotional pull he craves to study the case.

Full summary

The whole story of Pity, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Pity Box Office

Pity grossed $64,733 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$64.7K

International
$64.7K
Videos

Pity Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Pity.

Pity (Oίκτος) - Babis Makridis Film Trailer (2017)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Pity?

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

What emotion is the main character severely addicted to?

Details

Pity Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “Oiktos” and “Piedade”.

Also known as
  • Oiktos
  • Piedade
  • Medlidenhet
  • Miserere
  • Zavallı
  • 獸上癮
  • Litość
  • Жаль
  • Съжаление
  • Жалость
  • 동정에 중독된 남자
  • PITY ある不幸な男
+1 more
  • 怜悯

Seen Pity?

FAQ

Pity FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Pity, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Pity?

Pity runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was Pity released?

Pity was released on January 19, 2018.

Who directed Pity?

Pity was directed by Babis Makridis.

More films by Babis Makridis

Who is in the cast of Pity?

Pity stars Costas Xikominos as Nikos, Evi Saoulidou as Wife and Makis Papadimitriou as Dry clean shop owner, among 12 credited actors.

How much did Pity make at the box office?

Pity grossed $64,733 worldwide.

Does Pity have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Pity in?

The original language of Pity is Greek.

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