Project Power (2020): Cast, Ratings & Ending
Project Power is a 2020 action thriller directed by Ariel SchulmanHenry Joost, starring Colson Baker as Newt, Dominique Fishback and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes and was made on a reported $85 million budget. Critics gave it 60% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 53m (113 min)
- Director
- Ariel SchulmanHenry Joost
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- Budget
- $85M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Project Power About?
The premise of Project Power without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In New Orleans, the sudden appearance of a strange pill unleashes unpredictable superpowers among its users. Experiences vary widely, with some gaining incredible strength or invincibility, while others face dangerous side effects. As chaos erupts, a dedicated police officer, a resourceful street hustler, and a former soldier find themselves unexpectedly united. They must confront the shadowy organization responsible for the pill and work together to bring order back to the city, even if it means risking their lives.
Project Power Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- superhero
- power
- pill
- team
- tech
- f word
- two word title
- reference to the new orleans saints
- mississippi river
- no opening credits
- explosion
- supermarket
+38 more Show fewer
- shopping cart
- scissors
- invisible man
- invisibility
- male rear nudity
- sunglasses
- alligator
- reference to cardi b
- invulnerable
- impervious to bullets
- bullet
- texting
- scene was just a dream
- daydream
- rap
- drug
- drug dealer
- ghetto
- graffiti
- apartment
- apartment complex
- male nudity
- nudity
- nude man
- towel
- false accusation of racism
- mother
- daughter
- mother daughter relationship
- diabetes
- school
- teacher
- schoolteacher
- gun
- searching for daughter
- hallucination
- ex special forces
- non comic book superhero
Project Power Cast & Characters
Colson Baker leads the cast as Newt, with Dominique Fishback as Robin and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Frank. Directed by Ariel SchulmanHenry Joost; 14 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ariel SchulmanHenry Joost
- Colson Baker as Newt
-
Dominique Fishback as Robin -
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Frank -
Jamie Foxx as Art
Also Starring in Project Power
· 10 more- Rodrigo Santoro Biggie
- Tait Fletcher Wallace
- Amy Landecker Gardner
- Courtney B. Vance Captain Craine
- Allen Maldonado Landry
- Casey Neistat Moto
- Michael Thomas
- Machine Gun Kelly
- Andrene Ward-Hammond Irene
- Yoshi Sudarso
Project Power Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Project Power 60% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).
Project Power Echo Score Breakdown
In general, Project Power delivers a visually vibrant but narratively thin experience. The film’s stylized direction and flash provide intermittent excitement, yet the central script often feels underdeveloped and predictable. While charismatic performances ground many scenes, character arcs lack depth and emotional resonance. Pacing fluctuates as initial momentum dissipates mid-film, making engagement inconsistent. Sensory elements impress with striking visuals, but rewatch value is limited by forgettable story beats. Overall, the movie balances moments of entertainment against structural weaknesses, resulting in a modestly satisfying but ultimately unremarkable action thriller.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, the film emphasizes a bold visual style. Eye-catching bursts of color and dynamic editing supply a strong sense of momentum, while production design underscores the drug’s chaotic impact. However, underutilized locations and occasional aimless sequences reveal uneven direction. The net effect is a stylish presentation that sometimes overtakes substantive visual storytelling.
- Character & Emotion 65
When it comes to character and emotion, performances consistently lift the material. The leads bring palpable charisma and a standout supporting turn adds depth, yet character motivations often feel underexplored. Limited backstory for key figures reduces emotional stakes, and interpersonal chemistry fluctuates across scenes. Overall, the acting strength is tempered by thin character development and muted resonance.
- Story & Flow 50
Regarding story and flow, the premise offers an intriguing foundation, but plot coherence suffers from predictable twists and uneven pacing. The narrative kicks off with energy but loses focus as the second act drags, and originality wanes under familiar genre tropes. Occasional thematic nods to power dynamics add interest, though the overall story arc feels too conventional to maintain consistent engagement.
- Sensory Experience 70
In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers a visually striking package supported by an energetic soundtrack and crisp sound design. Flashy head-trip sequences and stylized effects emphasize the power pill’s impact, though inconsistency in CGI quality occasionally interrupts immersion. The urban setting is undershown despite strong night-time cinematography. Collectively, the sensory execution remains appealing but uneven.
- Rewatch Factor 40
With respect to rewatch factor, Project Power offers intermittent excitement but limited lasting appeal. Action set pieces can entertain on first viewing, yet narrative shortcomings and superficial character journeys reduce incentive for repeat viewings. The novelty of the central concept diminishes upon revisiting, leaving only occasional flashes of style to merit another watch. Overall, the film struggles to sustain replay value.
-
IMDb 6.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 60% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 46%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 51 Metascore
User score 5.2
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 64% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.5 /5
19 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.7 /5
See on Movie Insider
Project Power Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Project Power from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In a dystopian New Orleans, a curious distributor introduces a mysterious pill named “Power,” which bestows extraordinary abilities for five minutes to a cadre of drug dealers, including Colson Baker as Newt. After six weeks, Newt’s teenage cousin, Dominique Fishback as Robin, finds herself in a perilous situation as customers desperate for Power attempt to rob her. Just in the nick of time, she is saved by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Frank Shaver, an NOPD officer who often buys from her.
Full summary
The whole story of Project Power, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Project Power Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.
- Clip Comic-Con Project Power Clip: Joseph Gordon Levitt is Bulletproof | Netflix
How Well Do You Know Project Power?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the drug that grants temporary superpowers in 'Project Power'?
Cars in Project Power
35 cars on screen, including the 2006 Dodge Charger and the 1993 Nissan Truck.
-
2006 Dodge Charger Main role -
1993 Nissan Truck Main role -
2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Important role -
2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250 R Important role
Project Power Also Known As
23 alternative titles, including “超能計劃” and “โปรเจคท์ พาวเวอร์”.
- Also known as
-
- 超能計劃
- โปรเจคท์ พาวเวอร์
- Проєкт «Сила»
- Проект Power / Project Power
- Poder (2020)
- Projeto Poder (2020)
- Power - Poder (2020)
- 超能計畫
- Projekt Power
- Проект Power
- 프로젝트 파워
- פרויקט פאוור
+11 more Show fewer
- Project Power - A por ereje
- Proyecto Power
- 超能计划
- โปรเจคท์ พาวเวอร์ พลังลับพลังฮีโร่
- Dự Án Siêu Năng Lực, პროექტი ძალა
- プロジェクト・パワー
- Projektas Galia
- پروژه قدرت
- Projet Power
- Супер хапче
- Projekt Moč
Seen Project Power?
Movies Like Project Power
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Power, How I Became a Super Hero and Power.
Project Power FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Project Power, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Project Power?
Project Power runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).
When was Project Power released?
Project Power was released on August 14, 2020.
Who directed Project Power?
Project Power was directed by Ariel SchulmanHenry Joost.
Who is in the cast of Project Power?
Project Power stars Colson Baker as Newt, Dominique Fishback as Robin and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Frank, among 14 credited actors.
What was the budget of Project Power?
Project Power had a reported budget of $85 million.
How is Project Power rated?
Project Power has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.
Does Project Power have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Project Power has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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