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Biographical drama

The Keeper (2020): Cast & Ratings

The Keeper (2020) movie poster

The Keeper is a 2020 biographical drama directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller, starring David Kross as Bert Trautmann, John Henshaw and Harry Melling. It runs 2 hours. Critics gave it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
86%
Echo Score
77
Metascore
52
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The Keeper (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h (120 min)
Genres
Biography , Drama , Sport , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Keeper About?

The premise of The Keeper without spoilers.

In post-war Britain, Bert Trautmann, a German prisoner of war, unexpectedly becomes the goalkeeper for Manchester City. His remarkable talent is met with prejudice and strong opposition due to his background. As he strives to win over the skeptical fans and confront anti-German sentiment, he finds an unexpected friendship with Rabbi Alexander Altmann. Ultimately, Trautmann's skill and determination lead to a dramatic victory in the 1956 FA Cup Final, bridging divides and winning the respect of his community.

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Cast & crew

The Keeper Cast & Characters

David Kross leads the cast as Bert Trautmann, with John Henshaw as Jack Friar and Harry Melling as Sergeant Smythe. Directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Keeper

· 6 more
From the director

More from Marcus H. Rosenmüller

More films directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller: Beckenrand Sheriff, Snotty Boy, Beste Chance and Wer’s glaubt wird selig.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Keeper Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Keeper 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

77 /100

The Keeper Echo Score Breakdown

The Keeper delivers a sincere and emotionally resonant biopic with commendable performances and a heartfelt central theme. While the direction maintains a respectful tone toward its characters and the narrative holds engaging moments, the screenplay’s structure sometimes feels formulaic and uneven. Critics noted occasional lapses in coherence and a rom-com sensibility that undercuts dramatic tension. Overall, the film strikes a generally positive balance between its inspiring subject matter and modest production constraints, resulting in a likable if imperfect sports drama.

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

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates assured direction and production design that faithfully evoke postwar England. The visual style is consistent and supports the narrative’s tone, though some editing transitions feel abrupt. The low-budget constraints are managed through restrained design choices and competent camera work. Overall, the craftsmanship is solid but could benefit from smoother editing rhythms.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the cast delivers nuanced performances that elevate the central figure’s journey. The actors convey genuine chemistry and depth in both sporting and personal scenes, and the film’s respectful approach fosters emotional resonance. Viewers respond to the protagonist’s moral struggle and compassionate engagement with secondary figures. The character work is a clear strength that anchors the narrative.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the biopic presents an engaging core narrative that celebrates forgiveness and resilience. However, reviewers highlighted moments where the plot adheres too closely to genre conventions, leading to formulaic beats. The pacing alternates between compelling sports sequences and slower character study without always achieving cohesion. Despite occasional structural weaknesses, the storyline remains inspiring and keeps viewers invested.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    Regarding the sensory experience, the film offers an understated soundtrack that complements the emotional arcs without overwhelming key moments. Sound design is functional, supporting on-field action and intimate dialogue scenes alike. Visually, the cinematography and color palette maintain a consistent, warm tone, though there are few standout stylistic flourishes. The sensory elements work well but do not significantly elevate the film.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When evaluating rewatch potential, the movie’s heartfelt performances and positive themes provide reasons to revisit for fans of sports biopics. The emotional impact endures on subsequent viewings, particularly in scenes of forgiveness and reconciliation. However, the formulaic structure and modest production limits may reduce its novelty over time. Overall, it achieves a respectable level of lasting appeal without attaining classic status.

Videos

The Keeper Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Keeper.

THE KEEPER | Official HD Trailer (2021) | THRILLER SHORT | Film Threat Trailers

Seen The Keeper?

FAQ

The Keeper FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Keeper?

The Keeper runs 2 hours (120 minutes).

When was The Keeper released?

The Keeper was released on October 2, 2020.

Who directed The Keeper?

The Keeper was directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller.

More films by Marcus H. Rosenmüller

Who is in the cast of The Keeper?

The Keeper stars David Kross as Bert Trautmann, John Henshaw as Jack Friar and Harry Melling as Sergeant Smythe, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Keeper rated?

The Keeper has 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic and 5.0/5 on Movie Insider.

Does The Keeper have a post-credit scene?

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

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