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Action drama

Semper Fi (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Semper Fi (2019) movie poster

Semper Fi is a 2019 action drama directed by Henry Alex Rubin, starring Jai Courtney as Callahan, Beau Knapp and Finn Wittrock. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $6,584 worldwide. Critics gave it 17% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
17%
worldwide gross
$6.6K
Echo Score
63
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Semper Fi (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Director
Henry Alex Rubin
Genres
Action , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Semper Fi About?

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

A dedicated police officer finds his life complicated when his estranged half-brother is incarcerated. Driven by a deep sense of loyalty, the officer, Cal, must grapple with his personal code of honor as he fights for his brother’s freedom and seeks redemption amidst a backdrop of high-stakes drama and sacrifice. The film explores themes of brotherhood and the complexities of family ties.

Semper Fi Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • police
  • two word title
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Cast & crew

Semper Fi Cast & Characters

Jai Courtney leads the cast as Callahan, with Beau Knapp as Milk and Finn Wittrock as Jaeger. Directed by Henry Alex Rubin; 15 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Henry Alex Rubin

More films directed by Henry Alex Rubin, best-rated first: Murderball, Disconnect and Who Is Henry Jaglom?.

Full filmography
Ratings

Semper Fi Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Semper Fi 17% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (45).

63 /100

Semper Fi Echo Score Breakdown

Semper Fi presents strong performances but is undermined by its shifting narrative focus and uneven integration of dramatic and action elements. Many reviews note that the film excels when centering on personal backstories and the depiction of military bonds, yet falters in its transition to a more suspense-driven plot. While the production values and emotional moments earn praise, the lack of cohesion diminishes the overall impact. Ultimately, the film remains a mixed experience that appeals in parts but struggles to sustain its initial promise.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, Semper Fi demonstrates professional smoothness in its execution. The direction and editing maintain a consistent pace, and the production design offers a credible depiction of maritime and domestic settings. Reviewers highlight the restrained visual style that supports the grounded tone. This measured craftsmanship contributes moderate visual cohesion throughout the film.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film earns commendation for its performances and depiction of camaraderie. The lead portrayals convey genuine bond dynamics, and moments of open-hearted emotion resonate with viewers. However, critics note that deeper motivations of secondary characters are underexplored. Overall, the film provides engaging emotional moments despite some depth limitations.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, Semper Fi struggles with coherence and narrative focus. While the opening character-driven sequences engage through measured pacing, the shift to a suspense-driven plot is regarded as uneven and underdeveloped. Critics point to contrived developments and a disjointed final act. Consequently, the plot yields a mixed impression that undermines overall engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When considering the sensory experience, the film offers a credible soundtrack and sound design that support its military setting. Reviewers note music cues that underscore emotional beats without overwhelming the narrative. The visual approach remains understated, favoring a muted color palette. These elements combine to create an immersive but restrained audiovisual atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    In terms of rewatch factor, Semper Fi presents modest replay value. The strong performances and moments of camaraderie may invite another viewing for those drawn to character interactions. However, the uneven narrative cohesion and pacing issues lessen incentives for repeat watches. As a result, the film’s lasting appeal is limited to its emotional highlights rather than the broader storyline.

Plot

Semper Fi Plot Summary

What happens in Semper Fi from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2005, a tight-knit group of friends consisting of Cal (portrayed by Jai Courtney), Milk (played by Beau Knapp), Jaeger (brought to life by Finn Wittrock), Snowball (acted by Arturo Castro), and Oyster (represented by Nat Wolff) gather for a fun-filled bowling night at Westside Lanes in Bridgewater, NY. Each of their bowling balls bears their nicknames, a testament to their friendship. However, their rowdy antics catch the attention of a staff member named Tony, who threatens to kick them out. In a clever turn of events, Cal, flashing his badge as a police officer, strikes a deal with Tony: if Oyster can bowl three strikes, they’ll be rewarded with free drinks; otherwise, they must leave.

Full summary

The whole story of Semper Fi, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Semper Fi Box Office

Semper Fi grossed $6,584 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$6.6K

International
$6.6K
Videos

Semper Fi Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Semper Fi.

SEMPER FI - In Theaters, On Demand & On Digital 10/4
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Semper Fi?

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 is the main character Cal's full name?

Cars

Cars in Semper Fi

34 cars on screen, including the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria and the 1995 Jeep Cherokee.

All 34 cars
  • 2003 Ford Crown Victoria in Semper Fi 2003 Ford Crown Victoria Main role
  • 1995 Jeep Cherokee in Semper Fi 1995 Jeep Cherokee Main role
  • AM General HMMWV M1151 in Semper Fi AM General HMMWV M1151 Important role
  • 1997 Blue Bird TC 1000 in Semper Fi 1997 Blue Bird TC 1000 Important role

Seen Semper Fi?

FAQ

Semper Fi FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Semper Fi?

Semper Fi runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was Semper Fi released?

Semper Fi was released on October 4, 2019.

Who directed Semper Fi?

Semper Fi was directed by Henry Alex Rubin.

More films by Henry Alex Rubin

Who is in the cast of Semper Fi?

Semper Fi stars Jai Courtney as Callahan, Beau Knapp as Milk and Finn Wittrock as Jaeger, among 15 credited actors.

How much did Semper Fi make at the box office?

Semper Fi grossed $6,584 worldwide.

How is Semper Fi rated?

Semper Fi has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, 48 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does Semper Fi have a post-credit scene?

No. Semper Fi has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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