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Documentary

Step (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Step (2017) movie poster

Step is a 2017 documentary directed by Amanda Lipitz, starring Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger and Paula Dofat. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes and earned $1.2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
worldwide gross
$1.2M
Echo Score
84
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Step (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m (84 min)
Director
Amanda Lipitz
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Step About?

The premise of Step without spoilers.

In Baltimore, a determined group of teenage girls from an under-resourced high school work tirelessly as part of their step team. Driven by the ambition to be the first in their families to attend college, they overcome numerous obstacles and hardships. Their journey is complicated by the challenges of social inequality and the realities of their community, but through dedication and perseverance, they strive for a brighter future and find strength in each other.

Step Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags
  • f rated
  • reference to freddie gray
  • reference to malcolm x
  • reference to martin luther king jr.
  • reference to kim kardashian
  • dance
  • report card
  • title directed by female
  • baltimore maryland
  • live action
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Cast & crew

Step Cast

Blessin Giraldo leads the cast, with Cori Grainger and Paula Dofat. Directed by Amanda Lipitz; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Amanda Lipitz

One more film directed by Amanda Lipitz: Found.

Full filmography
Ratings

Step Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Step 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 84/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (72).

84 /100

Step Echo Score Breakdown

Step offers an engaging and heartfelt documentary exploring the lives of Baltimore high school step team members. The film’s direction and editing provide moments of celebratory energy, while the personal narratives deliver emotional weight. Music and sound design reinforce the uplifting tone, even as the pacing occasionally feels hurried. On balance, Step succeeds as an inspiring portrait with strong emotional impact and a generally cohesive presentation.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Step features direction and editing that emphasize the group’s energy. The film uses dynamic framing and rhythmic cuts to highlight dance sequences with precision. Production design is understated, focusing on authentic settings that ground the narrative. Overall, the film’s craft delivers a polished, energetic presentation that supports its celebratory tone.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, Step offers deeply felt portrayals of its subjects. The athletes’ personal challenges and familial relationships are presented with empathy, allowing viewers to connect with their determination. Performances feel authentic and emotionally resonant, highlighting moments of vulnerability and triumph. Together, these elements create a compelling emotional core that drives the film’s inspirational message.

  • Story & Flow 72

    Story and flow in Step balance inspirational arcs with moments of uneven pacing. The film’s structure relies on montages that sometimes rush through developmental stages, leading to occasional narrative ambiguity. However, the portrayal of relationships and the progression toward an effective finale sustain engagement throughout. In sum, the documentary’s narrative coherence is generally strong, despite brief lapses in pacing clarity.

  • Sensory Experience 87

    In terms of sensory experience, Step employs a vibrant soundtrack and crisp sound design to enhance its storytelling. Musical selections underscore the film’s celebratory tone, while ambient audio from rehearsals and performances adds authenticity. Visual style remains cohesive, with a focus on capturing expressive motions and facial expressions. Altogether, these sensory elements contribute to an engaging and immersive viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Regarding rewatch factor, Step provides sustained emotional appeal that may reward subsequent viewings. The personal stories and energetic performances retain their impact on repetition, though the documentary’s familiar structural approach may feel predictable. The vivid musical moments and celebratory atmosphere continue to resonate, offering renewed inspiration on later watches. Overall, the film maintains moderate replay value through its emotional and musical highlights.

Box office

Step Box Office

Step grossed $1.2 million worldwide. $1.1 million came from the US and Canada and $6,547 (1%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.2M

US & Canada
$1.1M
International
$6.5K
US & Canada 99% Rest of the world 1%
Videos

Step Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

STEP | Official Trailer | FOX Searchlight
  • Featurette Step Featurette - Step is Life (2017) | Movieclips Indie
Cars

Cars in Step

1 car on screen: the 1973 BMW Bavaria E3.

  • 1973 BMW Bavaria E3 in Step 1973 BMW Bavaria E3 Minor role
Details

Step Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “Basamak” and “Степ”.

Also known as
  • Basamak
  • Степ
  • 스텝
  • 社团

Seen Step?

FAQ

Step FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Step?

Step runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).

When was Step released?

Step was released on August 4, 2017.

Who directed Step?

Step was directed by Amanda Lipitz.

More films by Amanda Lipitz

Who is in the cast of Step?

Step stars Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger and Paula Dofat, among 4 credited actors.

How much did Step make at the box office?

Step grossed $1.2 million worldwide ($1.1 million domestic, $6,547 international).

How is Step rated?

Step has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.

Does Step have a post-credit scene?

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

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