The Beach Bum (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Beach Bum is a 2019 comedy directed by Harmony Korine, starring Matthew McConaughey as Moondog, Isla Fisher and Jonah Hill. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and earned $4.6 million worldwide on a $5 million budget. Critics gave it 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Harmony Korine
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Neon
- Budget
- $5M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Beach Bum About?
The premise of The Beach Bum without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A charismatic poet named Moondog lives a life of leisure and indulgence in Florida, fueled by sunshine, cocktails, and a complete disregard for responsibility. When a looming tax deadline and a stern ultimatum threaten his idyllic existence, he embarks on a hilarious and unpredictable journey of self-discovery, forced to re-evaluate his values and confront the true meaning of artistic fulfillment.
The Beach Bum Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- cunnilingus
- beach bum
- cigar smoking
- topless sunbathing
- beer
- female nudity
- sailboat
- stoner
- priest
- free spirit
- drug use
- drinking
+38 more Show fewer
- key west florida
- singer
- guitar player
- poet
- voice over poem
- microphone
- fishing
- boat
- boots
- snake
- drummer
- drumming
- pool
- pool table
- 14 year old
- miami florida
- husband wife relationship
- black american
- 16 year old
- father daughter relationship
- mother daughter relationship
- wedding
- audience
- applause
- cell phone
- telephone call
- hammock
- beach
- tambourine
- tuba
- pushing someone into water
- circular staircase
- spanish
- laughter
- smoking marijuana
- kissing someone's feet
- kiss
- piano
The Beach Bum Cast & Characters
Matthew McConaughey leads the cast as Moondog, with Isla Fisher as Minnie and Jonah Hill as Lewis. Directed by Harmony Korine; 13 actors are credited in all.
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Director Harmony Korine
-
Matthew McConaughey as Moondog -
Isla Fisher as Minnie -
Jonah Hill as Lewis -
Snoop Dogg as Lingerie
Also Starring in The Beach Bum
· 9 more- Zac Efron Flicker
- Martin Lawrence Captain Wack
- Jimmy Buffett Jimmy Buffett
- Stefania Owen
- David Bennett Homeless Phil
- Clinton Archambault Lawyer
- Joshua Rosen Reporter
- Donovan St V. Williams Snoop's Rasta Pilot
- Jerry Ascione
More from Harmony Korine
More films directed by Harmony Korine, best-rated first: Julien Donkey-Boy, Mister Lonely, Spring Breakers and Gummo.
The Beach Bum Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Beach Bum 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 56/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).
The Beach Bum Echo Score Breakdown
In overall terms, The Beach Bum presents a mixed reception with notable visual strengths but uneven narrative engagement. Reviewers frequently highlight its vibrant imagery and McConaughey’s committed portrayal, while also noting a loose structure and sporadic humor that may frustrate some viewers. The film’s episodic pacing and occasional lack of narrative coherence elicit both praise for its free-spirited style and criticism for its meandering quality. As a result, the overall impression is one of an ambitious yet inconsistent work that appeals to specific tastes rather than broad audiences.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art direction, The Beach Bum exhibits striking visual compositions and sunlit production design. Multiple commentators observe its vibrant color palette and well-framed cinematography, which evoke a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Although a few critiques note occasional jarring edits, most regard the photographic elements as a highlight. Overall, the film’s art and craft provide a consistently engaging visual experience.
- Character & Emotion 55
When it comes to character and emotion, responses are divided between praise for McConaughey’s immersive portrayal and criticism of underdeveloped supporting roles. Several viewers commend the lead’s authentic energy, while others find the emotional depth lacking and chemistry intermittent. The film’s whimsical tone extends across characters, yet some perceive the emotional resonance as superficial. Consequently, the character dimension feels uneven, with standout moments tempered by sporadic flatness.
- Story & Flow 50
In terms of story and flow, The Beach Bum follows an episodic structure that some viewers find charmingly free-form while others deem it unfocused. Critics note its leisurely pacing and occasional narrative gaps. Despite these uneven beats, the film maintains originality through its bohemian spirit. Overall, its plot coherence is inconsistent, producing an experience that feels both fresh and aimless.
- Sensory Experience 70
When it comes to sensory experience, The Beach Bum offers a vivid blend of soundtrack and visual style that underscores its sun-soaked setting. Viewers often mention the lively score and effective sound design that enhance the film’s carefree mood. Some critiques point to inconsistent editing that disrupts cohesion. On balance, the audio-visual elements deliver an engaging sensory tapestry despite occasional jarring transitions.
- Rewatch Factor 50
In terms of rewatch factor, responses are mixed regarding the film’s lasting appeal. Certain viewers appreciate its whimsical tone and quirky moments, suggesting curiosity about subsequent viewings. Others find the episodic narrative and lack of narrative drive diminish its replay value, citing limited depth beyond surface-level amusement. Overall, The Beach Bum offers sporadic moments of enjoyment that may not sustain strong long-term interest.
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IMDb 5.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 58% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 41%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 55 Metascore
User score 5.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 57% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
533 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Beach Bum Plot Summary
What happens in The Beach Bum from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Poet Moondog embraces a life filled with indulgence and a free-spirited essence in and around the sun-kissed Florida Keys. Despite perceptions that his glory days are over, he is gradually crafting his next book while enjoying the perks of his local legend status. His reckless antics are funded by his affluent wife, Minnie, much to the dismay of their soon-to-be-married daughter, Heather, and Moondog’s disapproving agent, Lewis. Throughout his escapades, Moondog finds himself entangled with various women, oblivious to the passionate affair Minnie is having with his friend, R&B singer Lingerie.
Full summary
The whole story of The Beach Bum, scene by scene
The Beach Bum Box Office & Budget
The Beach Bum grossed $4.6 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, 91% of what it cost. $3.5 million came from the US and Canada and $1.1 million (23%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$4.6M
91% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $3.5M
- International
- $1.1M
- Budget
- $5M
The Beach Bum Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.
- Teaser
How Well Do You Know The Beach Bum?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is Moondog's wife in the film?
Cars in The Beach Bum
16 cars on screen, including the Auburn Speedster Replica and the 1993 Geo Tracker.
-
Auburn Speedster Replica Important role -
1993 Geo Tracker Important role -
2015 McLaren 650S Spider Important role -
2017 Mercedes-Benz G 550 4X4² W463 Important role
The Beach Bum Also Known As
29 alternative titles, including “Débauche à Miami” and “Пляжний нероба”.
- Also known as
-
- Débauche à Miami
- Пляжний нероба
- Plážový povaleč
- ビーチバム まじめにふまじめ
- Rimas y alcohol
- The Beach Bum: Levando a Vida Numa Boa
- Faca s plaže
- Ο παραλίας
- Túltolva
- Beach Bum - Una vita in fumo
- Pludmales slaists
- Pajurio slaistunas
+17 more Show fewer
- Plażowy haj
- The Beach Bum: A Vida Numa Boa
- Regele plajei
- Пляжный бездельник
- Bitanga s plaže
- 더 비치 범
- 海邊沒有派對
- Пустопляс
- Плажният безделник
- Strandbumsen
- 海滩流浪汉
- Pajūrio šlaistūnas
- O Παραλίας
- בטלן החופים
- Plážový povaľač, უსაქმურების სანაპირო
- Kralj plaže
- ビーチ・バム まじめに不真面目
Seen The Beach Bum?
Movies Like The Beach Bum
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Beach Girls, Surfer, Dude and Beach House.
The Beach Bum FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Beach Bum, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Beach Bum?
The Beach Bum runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was The Beach Bum released?
The Beach Bum was released on March 29, 2019.
Who directed The Beach Bum?
The Beach Bum was directed by Harmony Korine.
More films by Harmony Korine Who is in the cast of The Beach Bum?
The Beach Bum stars Matthew McConaughey as Moondog, Isla Fisher as Minnie and Jonah Hill as Lewis, among 13 credited actors.
How much did The Beach Bum make at the box office?
The Beach Bum grossed $4.6 million worldwide ($3.5 million domestic, $1.1 million international) on a budget of $5 million.
How is The Beach Bum rated?
The Beach Bum has 5.5/10 on IMDb, 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 57% on TMDB.
Does The Beach Bum have a post-credit scene?
No. The Beach Bum has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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