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Drama thriller

Tape (2020): Cast & Ratings

Tape (2020) movie poster

Tape is a 2020 drama thriller directed by Deborah Kampmeier, starring Isabelle Fuhrman as Pearl, Isabella Pisacane and Brian Cade. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 47 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.2/10.

IMDb rating
4.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
77%
Echo Score
60
Metascore
47
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Tape (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Tape About?

The premise of Tape without spoilers.

Set in a Michigan motor lodge, this intense drama reunites three individuals who haven't seen each other in a decade. They confront unresolved issues stemming from their final days of high school, leading to a tense exploration of denial and hidden truths. As long-buried secrets are revealed and motivations are questioned, the atmosphere grows increasingly suspenseful, drawing the audience into their complex and fraught relationships.

Tape Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • deceit
  • audition
  • plot twist
  • no romantic time
  • actress
  • new york
  • new york city
  • male nudity
  • male frontal nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • male objectification
  • pubic hair
+2 more
  • male pubic hair
  • f rated
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Cast & crew

Tape Cast & Characters

Isabelle Fuhrman leads the cast as Pearl, with Isabella Pisacane as Jessica Ardizzone and Brian Cade as Newscaster. Directed by Deborah Kampmeier; 13 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Deborah Kampmeier

More films directed by Deborah Kampmeier, best-rated first: Hounddog and Virgin.

Full filmography
Ratings

Tape Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Tape 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 47 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

60 /100

Tape Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Tape delivers strong performances tempered by an uneven narrative and sporadic stylistic choices. The cast’s intensity and emotional clarity anchor the drama, while aspects of pacing and coherence falter in the final act, leading to mixed engagement. The film’s raw aesthetic and intimate setting enhance immediacy but also highlight technical roughness. Ultimately, the experience balances thought-provoking themes with structural and stylistic inconsistencies.

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

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, Tape exhibits a bold yet uneven stylistic approach. The handheld digital cinematography and stripped-down production design contribute to a raw, immersive atmosphere but also result in inconsistent visual polish. The direction showcases confidence in creating tension within a confined space, though certain framing choices feel unrefined. Overall, the film’s aesthetic ambition is clear but marred by technical roughness.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, Tape is anchored by compelling lead performances that convey psychological depth. The actors portray conflicting motivations with nuanced tension, and the interactions capture a charged dynamic. Some character moments drift into repetitious confrontations, yet the ensemble chemistry remains engaging. Ultimately, the film’s emotional core is driven by strong, committed performances.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, Tape presents an urgent premise that explores pressing social themes but suffers from uneven pacing and structural missteps. The central dialogue-driven format sustains initial engagement, yet the concluding sequence feels abrupt and underdeveloped. While moments of originality emerge in the exploration of accountability, the narrative coherence wavers. Overall, the storyline balances thought-provoking ideas with occasional lapses in execution.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    When it comes to the sensory experience, Tape’s aesthetic is defined by its raw digital imagery and minimal soundscape. The sparse soundtrack and ambient sound design enhance intimacy, yet the low-resolution video occasionally detracts from visual clarity. The film’s cohesive visual tone underscores its documentary-like immediacy, but limited production resources result in fluctuating technical polish. Overall, the sensory approach is immersive but uneven.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch factor, Tape offers a thought-provoking perspective that may reward repeat viewings, though its intense confrontational style can be taxing. The film’s thematic relevance and layered performances invite further analysis, yet the tight setting and emotionally charged exchanges may reduce casual re-engagement. While compelling in its immediacy, the overall experience is more suited to focused, thematic reconsideration than light repeat viewing.

Videos

Tape Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Tape.

TAPE (2020) Official Trailer | Annarosa Mudd, Isabelle Fuhrman, Dir. Deborah Kampmeier | True Story

Seen Tape?

FAQ

Tape FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is Tape?

Tape runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Tape released?

Tape was released on March 27, 2020.

Who directed Tape?

Tape was directed by Deborah Kampmeier.

More films by Deborah Kampmeier

Who is in the cast of Tape?

Tape stars Isabelle Fuhrman as Pearl, Isabella Pisacane as Jessica Ardizzone and Brian Cade as Newscaster, among 13 credited actors.

How is Tape rated?

Tape has 4.2/10 on IMDb, 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 47 on Metacritic and 41% on TMDB.

Does Tape have a post-credit scene?

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

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