Logo What's After the Movie

Rustin 2023

Bayard Rustin was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and this film explores his story as the architect of the 1963 March on Washington. Defying convention, he faced significant challenges as a gay man working for equality. The film highlights his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his determination to shape history, despite facing personal and professional obstacles. His legacy continues to inspire the fight for justice and human rights.

Bayard Rustin was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and this film explores his story as the architect of the 1963 March on Washington. Defying convention, he faced significant challenges as a gay man working for equality. The film highlights his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his determination to shape history, despite facing personal and professional obstacles. His legacy continues to inspire the fight for justice and human rights.

Does Rustin have end credit scenes?

No!

Rustin does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for Rustin

See how Rustin is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Rustin stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

60

Rustin delivers a strong central performance but balances that strength against a narrative pace that often feels dutiful and uneven. The film excels in portraying its protagonist with nuanced depth and credible chemistry yet relies on biopic conventions and surface-level historical montages that limit originality. Technical aspects support the material competently, though without distinctive flair. As a result, Rustin offers informative and emotionally grounded storytelling anchored by acting, but it stops short of providing a fully inspired cinematic experience.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Rustin

50
Echo Score

Art & Craft

Art & Craft aspect exhibits uninspired direction and routine visual design. The filmmaking unfolds with a measured pace but leans on standard montages and surface-level historical sequences without distinct cinematographic flair. Editing transitions serve the narrative but rarely elevate dramatic moments. Overall, the technical execution supports the story adequately but remains unremarkable.

85
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

In terms of character and emotion, the film is anchored by Colman Domingo’s compelling portrayal, which imbues Bayard Rustin with charisma and nuanced depth. Supporting relationships, notably with MLK Jr. and Elias Taylor, exhibit genuine chemistry and emotional resonance. While secondary figures occasionally feel underdeveloped, the central performance carries the film’s emotional weight and authenticity.

55
Echo Score

Story & Flow

When it comes to story and flow, the narrative adheres to a dutiful historical outline, offering clear exposition of key events but falling into familiar biopic clichés. The montage sequences and dramatized vignettes supply informative context, yet pacing oscillates between brisk and plodding. Ultimately, the plot maintains coherence but delivers only modest originality and engagement.

50
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film presents a straightforward soundscape and practical production design without distinctive visual or auditory flourishes. The soundtrack underlines key scenes but rarely surprises, and some digital effects in large-scale sequences appear unpolished. Consequently, while the film remains watchable, it lacks a memorable stylistic signature or immersive sensory impact.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When evaluating rewatch factor, the project’s emotional core and standout lead performance invite return viewings, yet the conventional presentation and educational emphasis limit lasting appeal. The informative depiction of events provides historical value, but the absence of unexpected narrative or stylistic elements may reduce enjoyment on subsequent viewings. Overall, the film retains moderate replay potential.

Metacritic

68

Metascore

6.0

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

83%

TOMATOMETER

review

82%

User Score

IMDb

6.5 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

66

%

User Score

Movie Insider

3.75/5

From 4 fan ratings

Awards & Nominations for Rustin

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Rustin, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Rustin and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


96th Academy Awards 2024

Colman Domingo
Nomination

Actor in a Leading Role

Colman Domingo

77th British Academy Film Awards 2024

Colman Domingo
Nomination

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Colman Domingo

29th Critics' Choice Awards 2024

Colman Domingo
Nomination

Best Actor

Colman Domingo
Nomination

Best Song

30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2024

Colman Domingo
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Colman Domingo

39th Artios Awards 2024

Nomination

Feature Studio or Independent – Drama

81st Golden Globe Awards 2024

Nomination

Best Original Song

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Rustin

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Rustin. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Teaser Trailer

Official Trailer

Cars Featured in Rustin

See 35 more

Explore all cars featured in Rustin, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


ACF-Brill

1948

Model IC-41

Austin-Healey

1962

3000

Buick

1960

Invicta

Checker

1974

Marathon

Checker

1978

Taxicab

Chevrolet

1947

Advance-Design

Chevrolet

1960

Bel Air

Chevrolet

1964

Impala

Chevrolet

1950

Styleline De Luxe

Chevrolet

1957

Two-Ten

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


homosexual historygay african americangay black mangaygay interestyear 1963civil rightscivil rights movementafrican americanministermarch on washingtongay title charactergay charactergay protagonisthomosexualgay cinemagay kissgay actor gay characterbased on real peopleorganizationpoliticsmartin luther king jr. character20th century1960spolitical dramafreedomquakerdocudrama dramablack americancharacter name as titlebayard rustin characterroy wilkins characteryear 1942black and white sceneflashbackflash forwardblack and white flashbackhusband wife relationshipcoretta scott king characternaacp national association for the advancement of colored peopleprotestdemonstrationmustached manadam clayton powell charactercharacter names on screen in textmontagewashington d.c.washington monumenttelephonetelephone call

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.