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Comedy

Spinster (2020): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Spinster (2020) movie poster

Spinster is a 2020 comedy directed by Andrea Dorfman, starring Chelsea Peretti as Gaby, Susan Kent and Jonathan Watton. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes. Critics gave it 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
84%
Echo Score
57
Metascore
56
Spinster (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 27m (87 min)
Director
Andrea Dorfman
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Spinster About?

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

Approaching her 39th birthday, a woman finds her life unexpectedly disrupted by a sudden breakup. Forced to confront her fears about being alone, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the challenges of singledom and redefines what happiness means to her.

Spinster Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • loneliness
Where to watch

Where to Watch Spinster

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Spinster Cast & Characters

Chelsea Peretti leads the cast as Gaby, with Susan Kent as Amanda and Jonathan Watton as Will. Directed by Andrea Dorfman; 17 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Spinster Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Spinster 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in character & emotion (70) and weakest in sensory experience (45).

57 /100

Spinster Echo Score Breakdown

Spinster elicits a mixed response with modest strengths in performance and thematic relevance but limited impact in other areas. The lead’s dry humor and an honest take on singlehood receive praise, yet inconsistent visual design and narrative pacing temper enthusiasm. Critics note occasional charms emerging from its unpredictable structure, while others find its execution pedestrian. Overall, Spinster offers some engaging moments but lacks the cohesion and depth needed for a stronger overall impression.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    Visual craft in Spinster is uneven and modestly realized. Critics frequently point to bare‐bones production design and straightforward blocking, while others note erratic framing and lighting inconsistencies. There are fleeting moments of coherent composition, but these do not fully overcome a generally pedestrian visual approach. In summary, the aesthetic remains serviceable yet uninspired throughout most of the film.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    Character work is moderately engaging, driven primarily by the lead’s performance. In terms of acting, Chelsea Peretti’s nuanced portrayal brings genuine heart and dry wit to the narrative, even as some find her ambivalent style off-putting. Supporting characters, however, receive limited development and emotional resonance. Overall, the central performance sustains the film’s emotional core despite uneven depth elsewhere.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative structure is serviceable but uneven in pacing and originality. In terms of plot, the film’s focus on independence offers a fresh thematic angle, yet the storyline drifts into familiar rom-com territory and sporadic tonal shifts. Pacing issues emerge as comedic beats falter outside the opening act, leading to moments of deflation. Ultimately, the story delivers occasional insights but lacks consistent momentum and cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 45

    The film’s sensory design remains largely functional without striking impact. In terms of sound and music, the score supports the comedic tone but does not distinguish key moments. Visually, straightforward blocking and intermittent lighting problems limit stylistic cohesion, contributing to a sense of blandness. Overall, Spinster’s sensory elements work adequately but fail to leave a memorable impression.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch appeal is modest and contingent on appreciation of the lead’s performance. In terms of replay value, viewers drawn to Chelsea Peretti’s dry humor and the film’s socially relevant themes may find renewed interest. However, predictable story elements and uneven pacing diminish incentives for multiple viewings. In conclusion, Spinster offers limited lasting appeal beyond an initial curiosity driven by its central performance.

Plot

Spinster Plot Summary

What happens in Spinster from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Gaby Chelsea Peretti is a charismatic caterer living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. On her 39th birthday, she arrives home to find her boyfriend of three months moving out, confessing that their relationship was only meant to be a fling and that he was never truly attracted to her. The heartbreak is sharp, but her married best friend Susan Kent reassures her that she still has time to marry and have children.

Full summary

The whole story of Spinster, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Spinster Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Spinster.

Spinster | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainment
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Spinster?

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 protagonist Gaby's profession at the beginning of the story?

Details

Spinster Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “老姑娘” and “스핀스터”.

Also known as
  • 老姑娘
  • 스핀스터
  • Stara panna
  • Старая дева
  • Nemăritată

Seen Spinster?

FAQ

Spinster FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Spinster, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Spinster?

Spinster runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).

When was Spinster released?

Spinster was released on August 7, 2020.

Who directed Spinster?

Spinster was directed by Andrea Dorfman.

More films by Andrea Dorfman

Who is in the cast of Spinster?

Spinster stars Chelsea Peretti as Gaby, Susan Kent as Amanda and Jonathan Watton as Will, among 17 credited actors.

Where can I watch Spinster?

In the US, Spinster is streaming on Amazon MX Player, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Spinster rated?

Spinster has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 56 on Metacritic and 56% on TMDB.

Does Spinster have a post-credit scene?

No. Spinster has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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