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What's After the Movie?
Biographical drama

The Maestro (2019): Cast & Ratings

The Maestro (2019) movie poster

The Maestro is a 2019 biographical drama directed by Adam Cushman, starring Xander Berkeley as Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Michael Johnston and Sarah Clarke. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
80%
Echo Score
80
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The Maestro (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
Adam Cushman
Genres
Biography , Drama , History , Music
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Maestro About?

The premise of The Maestro without spoilers.

Following World War II, a young and ambitious film composer named Jerry Herst travels to Hollywood to study under the acclaimed Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. The experience proves to be a profound and transformative journey, significantly influencing his development as an artist and ultimately shaping his lasting legacy in the world of music.

The Maestro Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • teacher
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Cast & crew

The Maestro Cast & Characters

Xander Berkeley leads the cast as Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, with Michael Johnston as Pietro Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Sarah Clarke as Clara Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Directed by Adam Cushman; 14 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Maestro

· 10 more
From the director

More from Adam Cushman

One more film directed by Adam Cushman: Restraint.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Maestro Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Maestro 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

80 /100

The Maestro Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Maestro delivers commendable craftsmanship and performances despite some narrative inconsistency. Critics praised its assured direction, evocative period visuals, and a compelling lead turn that sustain the film’s emotional core. User feedback highlights its intimate pacing and thoughtful exploration of artistic mentorship, although a few viewers found the plot too subdued. On balance, the movie emerges as a reflective and artfully rendered drama with modest pacing that will appeal to contemplative audiences.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, The Maestro emphasizes refined period detail and assured filmmaking. Critics noted its burnished cinematography, solid direction, and authentic set design that evoke postwar Hollywood. User remarks on beautiful framing, understated visual cohesion, and micro-budget ingenuity reinforce its aesthetic strengths. Overall, the film’s visual presentation is consistently engaging and well-realized.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, The Maestro benefits from nuanced performances and a resonant pupil-mentor dynamic. Xander Berkeley’s understated portrayal drew widespread acclaim, and supporting roles provide moments of warmth and depth. Although a minority of viewers found certain characters underdeveloped or inert, the prevailing sentiment highlights credible emotional chemistry and compelling interpretive work.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, The Maestro unfolds at a deliberate pace that some viewers may find subdued. Critics observed a solid emotional arc but noted occasional losses of narrative heft and depth. User reactions reflect appreciation for its measured, contemplative structure, while others criticized bland episodes and limited plot development. Overall, the film offers a thoughtful but uneven storytelling experience.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    With respect to sensory experience, The Maestro combines a richly evocative score and authentic period soundscapes with subtle visual style. Critics lauded its glorious musical cues and burnished photography, and users praised the cohesive sound design and detailed set pieces. The understated color palette and careful audio mix foster an immersive atmosphere that enhances the film’s reflective tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    Regarding rewatch factor, The Maestro appeals most to audiences who value nuanced observation and contemplative drama. User endorsements emphasize lasting appeal through gentle pacing and thematic depth, suggesting rewarding additional viewings for admirers of historical artistry. While not suited to those seeking high-octane entertainment, its reflective nature secures its value as a quietly enduring piece.

Details

The Maestro Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Маестро” and “O Maestro”.

Also known as
  • Маестро
  • O Maestro
  • 我的學生都是配樂大師
  • 艺术大师
  • Mojster

Seen The Maestro?

FAQ

The Maestro FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Maestro?

The Maestro runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was The Maestro released?

The Maestro was released on February 15, 2019.

Who directed The Maestro?

The Maestro was directed by Adam Cushman.

More films by Adam Cushman

Who is in the cast of The Maestro?

The Maestro stars Xander Berkeley as Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Michael Johnston as Pietro Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Sarah Clarke as Clara Castelnuovo-Tedesco, among 14 credited actors.

How is The Maestro rated?

The Maestro has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60% on TMDB and 4.1/5 on Movie Insider.

Does The Maestro have a post-credit scene?

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

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