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The Panama Papers (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Panama Papers (2018) movie poster

The Panama Papers is a 2018 documentary directed by Alex Winter, starring Elijah Wood, Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $24,554 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.

IMDb rating
7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$24.6K
Echo Score
77
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The Panama Papers (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
Alex Winter
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Studio
Epix (I)
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Panama Papers About?

The premise of The Panama Papers without spoilers.

This gripping documentary explores the unprecedented data leak known as the Panama Papers, uncovering a vast network of corruption involving prominent figures worldwide. Hundreds of journalists collaborated to investigate the dealings of Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm, revealing how the wealthy and powerful concealed an estimated $32 trillion in offshore accounts. The film exposes a system that allows for tax evasion and financial secrecy, highlighting the consequences for ordinary citizens and the global economy.

The Panama Papers Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • corruption
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Cast & crew

The Panama Papers Cast

Elijah Wood leads the cast, with Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier. Directed by Alex Winter; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Alex Winter

More films directed by Alex Winter, best-rated first: Zappa, Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain, The YouTube Effect and Fever.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Panama Papers Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Panama Papers 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

77 /100

The Panama Papers Echo Score Breakdown

The Panama Papers excels in presenting a comprehensive exposé through collaborative journalistic effort. The film’s investigative focus is delivered with consistent pacing, clear explanatory sequences, and a coherent narrative structure that highlights global teamwork. Some accounts note that repetitive elements and an abrupt conclusion can detract from sustained engagement. When it comes to overall impact, the documentary offers a compelling and informative experience despite occasional narrative redundancy, resulting in a largely effective portrayal of systemic corruption.

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 documentary employs measured pacing and straightforward editing to maintain narrative clarity. Observers note that the direction focuses on explanatory sequences rather than stylistic flourishes, using an understated visual palette to support the investigative tone. This approach yields a functional cinematic framework that reliably conveys the subject matter.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film presents investigators as determined collaborators facing personal risk. Viewers appreciate the nuanced portrayal of journalistic commitment, though some feel individual backstories receive limited exploration. By emphasizing collective effort over singular personalities, the documentary achieves an inspiring yet mildly detached emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, The Panama Papers offers a coherent timeline of the investigation, effectively layering global perspectives and financial revelations. It maintains engagement through clear exposition but occasionally repeats narrative elements, which some find reduces momentum. Overall, the plot remains informative and accessible, guiding viewers through complex material with clarity.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When evaluating sensory experience, the documentary’s soundtrack and sound design are functional and unobtrusive, reinforcing informational content rather than dramatic effect. Its visual style relies on archival footage and interviews presented with consistent color grading, offering cohesion but limited aesthetic innovation. The result is a competent audiovisual presentation that prioritizes clarity over stylistic boldness.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of rewatch factor, the documentary’s educational focus and dense informational content may yield limited replay value for general audiences. While its subject matter remains significant, repetitive elements and a primarily expository structure can lessen enjoyment on subsequent viewings. Despite its importance as a historical record, the film’s replay appeal is moderate rather than compelling.

Box office

The Panama Papers Box Office

The Panama Papers grossed $24,554 worldwide. $9,277 came from the US and Canada and $15,277 (62%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$24.6K

US & Canada
$9.3K
International
$15.3K
US & Canada 38% Rest of the world 62%
Videos

The Panama Papers Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Panama Papers.

The Panama Papers: Secrets of the Super Rich | Trailer | Available Now
Details

The Panama Papers Also Known As

27 alternative titles, including “Untitled Panama Papers Project” and “Secrecy World”.

Also known as
  • Untitled Panama Papers Project
  • Secrecy World
  • A Lavanderia
  • 洗钞事务所
  • 自助洗衣店
  • 洗钱风云
  • Die Geldwäscherei
  • Перачка на кинти
  • The Laundromat : L'affaire des Panama Papers
  • Ландромат
  • 시크릿 세탁소
  • The Laundromat: Dinero sucio
+15 more
  • Το Ξέπλυμα
  • Pralnia
  • PÉNZMOSÓ
  • Prací automat
  • La lavandería
  • המכבסה
  • Машина за прање пара
  • 洗鈔事務所
  • Laundromat: O Escândalo dos Papéis do Panamá
  • Пральня, სამრეცხაო
  • ザ・ランドロマット -パナマ文書流出-
  • ซัก หลบ กลบ ฟอก
  • 洗錢天堂網絡
  • Marea spălare de bani
  • Rửa tiền: Bê bối tài liệu Panama

Seen The Panama Papers?

FAQ

The Panama Papers FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is The Panama Papers?

The Panama Papers runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was The Panama Papers released?

The Panama Papers was released on November 2, 2018.

Who directed The Panama Papers?

The Panama Papers was directed by Alex Winter.

More films by Alex Winter

Who is in the cast of The Panama Papers?

The Panama Papers stars Elijah Wood, Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier, among 4 credited actors.

How much did The Panama Papers make at the box office?

The Panama Papers grossed $24,554 worldwide ($9,277 domestic, $15,277 international).

How is The Panama Papers rated?

The Panama Papers has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does The Panama Papers have a post-credit scene?

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

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