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Drama thriller

Small Engine Repair (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Small Engine Repair (2021) movie poster

Small Engine Repair is a 2021 drama thriller starring Jon Bernthal as Terrence Swaino, Ashlie Atkinson and Jenna Lamia. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $110,995 worldwide. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
78%
worldwide gross
$111K
Echo Score
71
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Small Engine Repair (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Small Engine Repair About?

The premise of Small Engine Repair without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Frankie, Swaino, and Packie, three close friends, confront shifting loyalties when a young woman named Crystal asks them for a significant favor. As the night progresses and alcohol loosens their inhibitions, their long-standing friendship is challenged. Old bonds are strained, exposing vulnerabilities and highlighting a pattern of toxic masculinity within their group, ultimately forcing them to confront the complexities of their relationships.

Small Engine Repair Themes & Keywords

· 29 tags
  • male nudity
  • male bonding
  • brief male frontal nudity
  • friends reuniting
  • revenge
  • drug dealer
  • privileged lifestyle
  • manchester new hampshire
  • written by director
  • actor director writer
  • collect call
  • call from prison
+17 more
  • father daughter relationship
  • f word
  • gay slur
  • bar
  • reference to ken burns
  • reference to babe ruth
  • reference to mookie wilson
  • reference to bill buckner
  • homophobia
  • shot in the head
  • shot to death
  • duct tape gag
  • bullying
  • hospital visit
  • friendship between men
  • friendship
  • based on play
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Cast & crew

Small Engine Repair Cast & Characters

Jon Bernthal leads the cast as Terrence Swaino, with Ashlie Atkinson as Diane Swaino and Jenna Lamia as Patty Swaino.

Also Starring in Small Engine Repair

· 12 more
Ratings

Small Engine Repair Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Small Engine Repair 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (60).

71 /100

Small Engine Repair Echo Score Breakdown

Small Engine Repair lands between earnest drama and uneven execution, offering strong performances that elevate a story that sometimes stalls. Critics note skilled direction and cinematography but point to fragmented pacing, while many viewers celebrate the authentic chemistry and thematic focus on toxic masculinity. The film’s sensory elements are competent yet unremarkable, resulting in a work that rewards repeated viewings despite its rough edges.

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

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film shows competence, with reviewers highlighting skillful shooting and effective use of a single-location setting. However, several critics cite awkward editing and pacing issues that detract from a smoother flow. The production design remains serviceable but does not stand out. Overall, the craftsmanship is solid, though not consistently polished.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    The character work emerges as the film’s strongest asset, with the three leads receiving consistent praise for nuanced performances and chemistry. Critics and users alike describe the cast as universally excellent, noting that the actors convey depth beyond the script’s rough edges. While some find the dialogue coarse, the emotional resonance of the performances remains compelling, anchoring the narrative.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Narratively, the movie oscillates between engaging drama and meandering sections. Reviewers acknowledge the film’s thematic ambition and moments of powerful tension, yet many point to fragmented pacing and an underdeveloped plot in the first half. Some audience members rate the story highly for its authenticity, but criticisms of uneven structure keep the overall assessment in a moderate range.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory components such as sound design and visual style receive mixed feedback. The cinematography is described as skillful, yet the overall sensory impact is viewed as adequate rather than striking. No reviewer highlights a memorable soundtrack or distinctive audio mix, and the single-location setting limits visual variety. Consequently, the sensory experience is competent but not a standout feature.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Rewatch potential is bolstered by strong acting and thematic depth, encouraging viewers to return for nuanced performances. While some critics note the film’s uneven pacing, many audience members report renewed appreciation on subsequent viewings, finding new layers in the character dynamics. The combination of emotional resonance and occasional humor supports a solid replay value despite occasional roughness.

Plot

Small Engine Repair Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Small Engine Repair 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

A devoted family man, Frank Romanoski (John Pollono), operates a modest engine repair shop in the bustling locale of Manch-Vegas (Manchester). He tirelessly works to provide for his daughter, Crystal (Ciara Bravo), while dealing with the emotional distance created by his challenging marriage to Karen Delgado. Frank’s tumultuous childhood has left him with deep-seated rage issues, akin to those of his late abusive father, often landing him in correctional facilities for violent outbursts against individuals connected to his toxic wife. The narrative begins with Frank’s release from Hillsborough correctional facility, where he promptly reaches out to his old friend, Terrance Swaino (Jon Bernthal), hoping to reconnect at his workplace.

Full summary

The whole story of Small Engine Repair, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Small Engine Repair Box Office

Small Engine Repair grossed $110,995 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$111K

US & Canada
$111K
Videos

Small Engine Repair Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Small Engine Repair.

Small Engine Repair | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainment
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Small Engine Repair?

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

Who is the main character struggling with anger issues in the movie?

Details

Small Engine Repair Also Known As

16 alternative titles, including “Mécanique fatale” and “Il Garage”.

Also known as
  • Mécanique fatale
  • Il Garage
  • El taller
  • Conserto de motor pequeno
  • 小小汽修厂
  • 스몰 엔진 리페어
  • Ремонт малых двигателей
  • Mazo dzinēju remonts
  • Ligera Reparación
  • Ремонт малих двигунів
  • חוויה מתקנת
  • 小さな修理屋
+4 more
  • ورشة إصلاح المحركات
  • Javítóműhely
  • Opravna malých motorů
  • O favoare periculoasă

Seen Small Engine Repair?

FAQ

Small Engine Repair FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Small Engine Repair, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Small Engine Repair?

Small Engine Repair runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Small Engine Repair released?

Small Engine Repair was released on September 10, 2021.

Who is in the cast of Small Engine Repair?

Small Engine Repair stars Jon Bernthal as Terrence Swaino, Ashlie Atkinson as Diane Swaino and Jenna Lamia as Patty Swaino, among 16 credited actors.

How much did Small Engine Repair make at the box office?

Small Engine Repair grossed $110,995 worldwide.

How is Small Engine Repair rated?

Small Engine Repair has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.

Does Small Engine Repair have a post-credit scene?

No. Small Engine Repair has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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