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Documentary

The Grab (2024): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Grab (2024) movie poster

The Grab is a 2024 documentary directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Robert Mitchell, Emma Schwartz and Matthew Rose. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes. Critics gave it 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.

IMDb rating
7.4/10
Echo Score
65
Metascore
60
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The Grab (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Grab About?

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

With vital resources becoming scarce, powerful forces conspire to control the remaining supplies, leaving communities vulnerable to the exploitation of their water sources and traditional lands. This stark exposé examines a growing global crisis, highlighting the desperate fight for survival as resources are seized and livelihoods are threatened.

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Cast & crew

The Grab Cast

Robert Mitchell leads the cast, with Emma Schwartz and Matthew Rose. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite; 19 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Gabriela Cowperthwaite

More films directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, best-rated first: Blackfish, Our Friend, Megan Leavey and I.S.S..

Full filmography
Ratings

The Grab Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Grab 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in rewatch factor (80) and weakest in story & flow (48).

65 /100

The Grab Echo Score Breakdown

The Grab delivers a meticulously researched look at the geopolitical battle over food and water, offering valuable insight and urgency. Critics commend its journalistic rigor and the compelling presence of intrepid investigators, while viewers highlight its emotional impact and call‑to‑action. However, the film’s sprawling subject matter and nonlinear structure often impede narrative clarity, leaving some audience members frustrated. Overall, the documentary stands as an important, if imperfect, exposition of a critical global issue.

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

  • Art & Craft 58

    ART focuses on the documentary’s direction and editing, which aim to weave a massive investigative tapestry. Critics note the ambitious, nonlinear pacing often hampers digestibility, describing the film as overstimulating. Nevertheless, the structural effort required to interlace diverse footage is recognized as a formidable achievement. Consequently, the craft is judged as competent but uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 62

    CHARACTER assesses the on‑screen participants and their emotional resonance. Reviewers praise the dedication of the investigators, whose determined presence lends credibility and human stakes to abstract issues. The lack of traditional dramatization limits deep character development, yet the authentic interviews evoke a measured affective response. Overall, the documentary succeeds in delivering credible voices while offering limited emotional depth.

  • Story & Flow 48

    STORY examines the film’s narrative coherence and pacing. Critics repeatedly cite the overwhelming breadth of material and a nonlinear timeline that obscure the central argument, resulting in a fragmented viewing experience. Some reviewers acknowledge the original investigative angle and occasional suspenseful moments. The cumulative effect is an ambitious but unevenly paced story that struggles to maintain consistent engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    SENSORY addresses the audiovisual presentation. While reviewers do not single out the soundtrack, the film relies heavily on archival footage, on‑location shots, and a measured sound design that supports the investigative tone. Visuals are described as varied but functional, aiding comprehension of complex data. Overall, the sensory elements are serviceable, reinforcing the documentary’s informative intent without notable stylistic flair.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    REWATCH evaluates lasting appeal and repeatability. Critics and users alike emphasize the film’s urgent subject matter and call‑to‑action, suggesting it remains relevant for future viewings. The investigative revelations and moral imperative encourage discussion, though the dense structure may deter casual re‑engagement. In sum, the documentary possesses strong rewatch value for audiences seeking depth and motivation.

Plot

The Grab Plot Summary

What happens in The Grab from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the cinematic lens captures the relentless pursuit of truth by the team at The Center for Investigative Reporting, viewers are drawn into a gripping narrative where global power struggles over essential resources—namely food and water—take center stage. This unsettling story unveils how nation-states, plagued by the dire consequences of climate change, resort to tactics like coercion, economic maneuvering, and the employment of illicit mercenaries in a desperate bid to gain dominance over these crucial assets.

Full summary

The whole story of The Grab, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Grab Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

Official Trailer
  • Featurette 'The Grab' with Gabriela Cowperthwaite | Academy Conversations
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Grab?

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
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  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
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What year does the film's narrative begin?

Seen The Grab?

FAQ

The Grab FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Grab?

The Grab runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was The Grab released?

The Grab was released on June 14, 2024.

Who directed The Grab?

The Grab was directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite.

More films by Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Who is in the cast of The Grab?

The Grab stars Robert Mitchell, Emma Schwartz and Matthew Rose, among 19 credited actors.

How is The Grab rated?

The Grab has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 60 on Metacritic and 78% on TMDB.

Does The Grab have a post-credit scene?

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

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