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Drama horror film

The Buildout (2025): Cast & Ratings

The Buildout (2025) movie poster

The Buildout is a 2025 drama horror film directed by Zeshaan Younus, starring Jenna Kanell as Cameron, Danielle Evon Ploeger and Hannah Alline. It runs 1 hour 10 minutes. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 3.9/10.

IMDb rating
3.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
Echo Score
70
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The Buildout (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 10m (70 min)
Director
Zeshaan Younus
Genres
Drama , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Buildout About?

The premise of The Buildout without spoilers.

A friendship is tested as two women experience something strange in the desert.

The Buildout Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • women
  • desert
  • cult
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Cast & crew

The Buildout Cast & Characters

Jenna Kanell leads the cast as Cameron, with Danielle Evon Ploeger as Dakota and Hannah Alline as Dylan. Directed by Zeshaan Younus; 6 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Buildout

· 2 more
From the director

More from Zeshaan Younus

One more film directed by Zeshaan Younus: Prefigured.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Buildout Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Buildout 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 3.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

70 /100

The Buildout Echo Score Breakdown

The Buildout excels in visual presentation and atmosphere but its irregular narrative and uneven character engagement diminish its overall impact. While critics highlight the film’s striking visual design and immersive tone, several reviews point to its fragmented structure and an ending that leaves key elements unresolved. User responses emphasize disappointing character connections and payoffs. The net effect is a film that impresses in form yet struggles to sustain its thematic and emotional momentum, yielding a moderately positive final score.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    The Buildout’s strongest asset is its visual style and technical execution. In terms of cinematography, the film offers a series of atmospheric compositions and well-lit desert vistas. The editing maintains a deliberate rhythm that underlines its contemplative tone, and the production design reinforces the stark, minimal environments. These elements coalesce into a coherent visual language that consistently engages, marking art direction as a high point.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to character depth, the film presents a thoughtful exploration of friendship and grief through its two leads. Acting performances convey sincerity, though the chemistry occasionally feels restrained. Some critics note the characters’ inner journeys remain partially obscured, and user feedback cites flat emotional resonance. The net result is competent but uneven character engagement.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of plot and pacing, The Buildout offers an original premise that unfolds at a measured pace. The narrative engages through its exploration of belief and loyalty, yet its oblique structure leaves certain storylines underdeveloped. Several reviews mention an unsatisfying resolution and uneven momentum. Consequently, the story maintains interest but lacks consistent coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Regarding sensory experience, the film delivers an immersive soundscape and a complementary musical score that enhances its haunting atmosphere. Visual styling employs an understated color palette and naturalistic sound design to heighten tension. These cohesive elements work in tandem to create a strong sensory impression that stands out as a defining strength.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    When considering rewatch value, the film’s evocative visuals and thematic layers offer elements worth revisiting. However, its unresolved narrative threads and muted emotional hooks may lessen desire for repeated viewings. While some viewers may uncover subtle details on a second pass, the overall ambiguity reduces its lasting appeal for broader audiences.

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FAQ

The Buildout FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Buildout?

The Buildout runs 1 hour 10 minutes (70 minutes).

When was The Buildout released?

The Buildout was released on February 25, 2025.

Who directed The Buildout?

The Buildout was directed by Zeshaan Younus.

More films by Zeshaan Younus

Who is in the cast of The Buildout?

The Buildout stars Jenna Kanell as Cameron, Danielle Evon Ploeger as Dakota and Hannah Alline as Dylan, among 6 credited actors.

How is The Buildout rated?

The Buildout has 3.9/10 on IMDb and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Does The Buildout have a post-credit scene?

No. The Buildout has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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