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Crime thriller

The Execution (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Execution (2024) movie poster

The Execution is a 2024 crime thriller directed by Lado Kvataniya, starring Ivan Mulin as Korzh, Andrey Kharybin and Niko Tavadze. It runs 2 hours 18 minutes and earned $53.5 million worldwide. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
worldwide gross
$53.5M
Echo Score
82
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The Execution (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 18m (138 min)
Director
Lado Kvataniya
Genres
Crime , History , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
Russian
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Execution About?

The premise of The Execution without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A cunning serial killer manages to evade justice for a decade, but his capture doesn't guarantee conviction. This sets off a tense cat-and-mouse game between a dedicated detective and the suspect, blurring the lines between professional obligation and personal vengeance.

The Execution Themes & Keywords

· 7 tags
  • police detective
  • serial killer
  • rookie cop
  • serial killer crime
  • dark comedy
  • martial arts action
  • year 2022
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Cast & crew

The Execution Cast & Characters

Ivan Mulin leads the cast as Korzh, with Andrey Kharybin as Ivan Savelich and Niko Tavadze as Issa Davydov. Directed by Lado Kvataniya; 19 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Execution

· 15 more
Ratings

The Execution Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Execution 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in story & flow (70).

82 /100

The Execution Echo Score Breakdown

The Execution delivers a compelling blend of visual craftsmanship and narrative ambition, with most reviewers praising its direction, cinematography, and production design. Acting and character work receive strong commendation, though some viewers note occasional tonal imbalances. The plot is admired for its intrigue, yet its non‑linear structure is described as occasionally convoluted and overly long. Sensory elements such as score and sound design enhance the bleak atmosphere, and the film’s layered themes encourage repeat viewings. Overall, the film registers as a solid, if imperfect, thriller.

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, the film is noted for its meticulous direction, stark cinematography, and detailed production design. Critics highlight the effective use of lighting and composition to convey a cold, unsettling tone, while users appreciate the crisp action choreography and visual style. Some commentary points to occasional editing unevenness that elongates the runtime. The consensus reflects a high level of technical proficiency overall.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When evaluating character and emotion, reviewers consistently commend the nuanced performances and strong chemistry among leads. Acting is described as superb, with particular praise for depth and emotional resonance in portraying moral ambiguity. A few users mention side‑characters receiving limited development, but the primary cast delivers a compelling emotional core. The overall impression is that the film excels in drawing audience investment through its characters.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative’s non‑linear puzzle is praised for its originality and tension, yet several comments note its occasional over‑complexity and sluggish pacing toward the end. While the plot’s social commentary and thematic layers are appreciated, the twists are sometimes seen as far‑fetched or writerly. Consequently, the storyline is viewed as engaging but uneven, balancing intrigue with moments of convolution.

  • Sensory Experience 82

    The sensory experience is highlighted through a haunting score, effective sound design, and cohesive visual style that reinforce the film’s bleak atmosphere. Critics admire the ambient audio cues that heighten anxiety, and users remark on the crisp direction of action sequences. A minor critique involves occasional soundtrack choices that feel intrusive, but overall the sensory elements strongly support the film’s tonal intent.

  • Rewatch Factor 84

    Rewatch factor receives high marks as the film’s layered narrative and lingering thematic questions encourage multiple viewings. Reviewers cite lasting impact, with many noting that hidden details and red herrings become clearer on subsequent watches. Although the length can feel excessive, the overall replay value is solid, offering both entertainment and deeper reflection upon repeated exposure.

Plot

The Execution Plot Summary

What happens in The Execution from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

*In this gripping crime thriller, Detective Seo Do-cheol, played by Ivan Mulin, heads the Violent Crimes Investigation Unit to crack down on an illegal gambling den. Their operation takes a dark turn when a disturbing viral video emerges, showing a masked killer executing a disgraced art professor who had raped a female student, leading to her tragic suicide. The police soon realize that these murders are not random but part of a chilling pattern: each victim was once a perpetrator of a crime, and they are being killed in a manner that mirrors the suffering of their victims. This pattern hints at the presence of a serial killer targeting those who have previously escaped justice.

Full summary

The whole story of The Execution, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Execution Box Office

The Execution grossed $53.5 million worldwide. $388,067 came from the US and Canada and $53.1 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$53.5M

US & Canada
$388.1K
International
$53.1M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

The Execution Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 2 trailers and 3 teasers.

Official Int'l Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Trailer Official Int'l Main Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Teaser [베테랑2] 인터내셔널 예고편
  • Teaser The seasoned pros are back. [Subtitled]
  • Teaser Don't miss out on Ryoo Seung-wan's thriller. [Subtitled]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Execution?

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the primary suspect dubbed 'Haechi' in the film?

Seen The Execution?

FAQ

The Execution FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is The Execution?

The Execution runs 2 hours 18 minutes (138 minutes).

When was The Execution released?

The Execution was released on May 28, 2024.

Who directed The Execution?

The Execution was directed by Lado Kvataniya.

Who is in the cast of The Execution?

The Execution stars Ivan Mulin as Korzh, Andrey Kharybin as Ivan Savelich and Niko Tavadze as Issa Davydov, among 19 credited actors.

How much did The Execution make at the box office?

The Execution grossed $53.5 million worldwide ($388,067 domestic, $53.1 million international).

How is The Execution rated?

The Execution has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70% on TMDB.

Does The Execution have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is The Execution in?

The original language of The Execution is Russian.

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