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Adventure thriller

Tar (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Tar (2020) movie poster

Tar is a 2020 adventure thriller starring Timothy Bottoms as Barry Greenwood, Aaron Wolf and Graham Greene. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $22,307 worldwide. Critics gave it 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 3.8/10.

IMDb rating
3.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
43%
worldwide gross
$22.3K
Echo Score
29
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Tar (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Tar About?

The premise of Tar without spoilers.

Amidst urban sprawl, a family business struggles to survive as their wetland shop faces demolition. When the city's subway expansion awakens a long-dormant threat, Barry and Zach find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. As night falls during a frantic packing session, they must confront a primal menace and protect their legacy in a rapidly changing world.

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Cast & crew

Tar Cast & Characters

Timothy Bottoms leads the cast as Barry Greenwood, with Aaron Wolf as Zach Greenwood and Graham Greene as Homeless Man, Carl.

Also Starring in Tar

· 6 more
Ratings

Tar Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Tar 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 3.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 29/100, strongest in sensory experience (45) and weakest in rewatch factor (15).

29 /100

Tar Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Tar presents a largely underwhelming experience marked by uneven execution across its core elements. While some reviewers noted occasional visual interest and a few performances that offered moderate engagement, most critics and users found the narrative pacing slow and the production values inconsistent. The screenplay's ambiguity and tonal shifts between horror and humor left many viewers disengaged. Despite sporadic visual highlights and a handful of effective moments, the film does not sustain interest or cohesion throughout. Ultimately, Tar's cumulative flaws outweigh its occasional merits, yielding a generally disappointing outcome.

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

  • Art & Craft 25

    In terms of art and craft, Tar exhibits noticeable inconsistencies in direction and editing that undercut its potential. Multiple reviews highlight abysmal transitions and muddy camera work that detract from key scenes. Although a few users noted occasional eye-catching shots and competent special effects, these moments are sporadic. Overall, the film’s production design and editing result in a disjointed visual presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 30

    In terms of character and emotion, Tar offers limited depth and uneven performances that struggle to resonate. Critics reserved praise for a few seasoned actors but most noted shallow characterizations and poor chemistry. User feedback frequently cited amateurish acting and lack of emotional stakes. Although some reviewers found minor moments of levity, the portrayals largely fail to engage on a meaningful level.

  • Story & Flow 30

    In terms of story and flow, Tar suffers from plodding pacing and a convoluted tone that hinder engagement. Several critics mentioned the film’s dense yet unclear narrative, while user reviews criticized slow progression and unresolved plot points. Despite a few intriguing ideas around a tar-based creature, the script lacks coherence and momentum. Overall, the storyline remains frustrating and uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 45

    In terms of sensory experience, Tar delivers mixed results, with occasional striking visuals offset by substandard audio and creature design. Some viewers appreciated the film’s eye candy and adequate special effects, yet many critics and users cited lazy music cues and an unattractive mask design. The sound design receives inconsistent remarks, ranging from functional to underwhelming. Overall, the sensory elements feel patchy.

  • Rewatch Factor 15

    When it comes to rewatch factor, Tar offers minimal lasting appeal for repeat viewings. Users commonly reported a lack of narrative substance and enjoyment on subsequent watches, and critics did not highlight any elements warranting a return. While a handful of visual or comedic moments might draw curiosity, the film’s overall disjointed nature and sparse engagement discourage rewatch. It proves unlikely to inspire repeated viewing.

Box office

Tar Box Office

Tar grossed $22,307 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$22.3K

US & Canada
$22.3K
Videos

Tar Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Tar.

Official Trailer

Seen Tar?

FAQ

Tar FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Tar?

Tar runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Tar released?

Tar was released on October 20, 2020.

Who is in the cast of Tar?

Tar stars Timothy Bottoms as Barry Greenwood, Aaron Wolf as Zach Greenwood and Graham Greene as Homeless Man, Carl, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Tar make at the box office?

Tar grossed $22,307 worldwide.

How is Tar rated?

Tar has 3.8/10 on IMDb, 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, 49% on TMDB and 2.8/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Tar have a post-credit scene?

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

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