Red Rover (2018): Cast & Ratings
Red Rover is a 2018 romantic comedy directed by Shane Belcourt, starring Meghan Heffern as Beatrice, Kristian Bruun and Sugith Varughese. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and was made on a reported $50,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 78/100.
- Echo Score
- 78
- budget
- $50K
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Shane Belcourt
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- The Story Attic
- Budget
- $50K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Red Rover About?
The premise of Red Rover without spoilers.
A geologist facing despair seeks a chance to journey to Mars, hoping for a fresh start. He enlists the help of a quirky musician who also feels adrift and searching for purpose. Together, they navigate their personal struggles while pursuing the possibility of a one-way mission to the red planet.
Red Rover Cast & Characters
Meghan Heffern leads the cast as Beatrice, with Kristian Bruun as Damon and Sugith Varughese as Gopi. Directed by Shane Belcourt; 8 actors are credited in all.
- Director Shane Belcourt
- Meghan Heffern as Beatrice
- Kristian Bruun as Damon
- Sugith Varughese as Gopi
- Morgan David Jones as Mark
Also Starring in Red Rover
· 4 more- Anna Hopkins Maya
- Joshua Peace Brad
- Cara Gee Phoebe
- Laura Wilson Female Network Executive
More from Shane Belcourt
More films directed by Shane Belcourt: Warrior Strong and Heritage Minutes: Chanie Wenjack.
Red Rover Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (65).
Red Rover Echo Score Breakdown
Red Rover presents a modestly engaging indie effort anchored by solid direction and a distinctive visual palette. While the film’s premise—blending sci‑fi aspirations with personal self‑discovery—offers charm, inconsistencies in character depth and occasional pacing lulls temper enthusiasm. Performances from Kristian Bruun and Cara Gee receive particular commendation, though the manic‑pixie trope draws criticism. The soundtrack complements the tone, and the film retains enough originality to merit repeat viewings for audiences attuned to low‑budget character studies.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
Direction and visual execution stand out as the film’s strongest assets. Critics note a pleasing DIY aesthetic, combining grainy stock footage with crisp, earth‑bound cinematography that reinforces the grounded tone. The production design supports the modest budget without sacrificing style, and editing maintains a steady rhythm despite occasional drag. Overall, the craft conveys an understated but effective artistic vision.
- Character & Emotion 70
Acting delivers the film’s emotional core, with Bruun and Gee receiving consistent praise for layered, relatable performances that transcend the manic‑pixie label. Supporting cast members add comic nuance, though some characters feel under‑developed, reinforcing critiques of trait‑based writing. Chemistry between leads is generally effective, anchoring the narrative, while occasional flat portrayals dilute overall impact.
- Story & Flow 65
Plot intertwines personal stagnation with a whimsical Mars colonization subplot, offering originality amid familiar indie tropes. While many reviewers find the premise engaging and the narrative coherent, others note predictability and pacing issues that undermine momentum. The story’s thematic resonance around self‑worth succeeds, yet uneven execution leads to a mixed overall impression.
- Sensory Experience 85
The soundtrack blends indie rock and ambient tones that underscore the film’s introspective mood, receiving commendation for its fitting selection. Visual style, praised for its gritty yet polished look, enhances the low‑budget aesthetic, while sound design remains unobtrusive, allowing dialogue to remain clear. Sensory elements collectively reinforce the narrative’s emotional beats.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Rewatch potential rests on its character chemistry and thematic depth, inviting viewers to revisit subtle performances and the film’s hopeful resolution. Positive audience feedback highlights enduring appeal for those seeking thoughtful indie fare, while detractors cite repetitive pacing and tonal inconsistencies that diminish repeat enjoyment. Consequently, the film offers moderate replay value for a niche audience.
Red Rover Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Red Rover.
Seen Red Rover?
Red Rover FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of Red Rover, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Red Rover?
Red Rover runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was Red Rover released?
Red Rover was released on November 30, 2018.
Who directed Red Rover?
Red Rover was directed by Shane Belcourt.
More films by Shane Belcourt Who is in the cast of Red Rover?
Red Rover stars Meghan Heffern as Beatrice, Kristian Bruun as Damon and Sugith Varughese as Gopi, among 8 credited actors.
What was the budget of Red Rover?
Red Rover had a reported budget of $50,000.
Does Red Rover have a post-credit scene?
No. Red Rover has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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