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Drama

The Show (2017): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Show (2017) movie poster

The Show is a 2017 drama starring Josh Duhamel as Adam Rogers, Lucia Walters and Giancarlo Esposito. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and was made on a reported $84 million budget. Critics gave it 35 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
Echo Score
75
Metascore
35
budget
$84M
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The Show (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$84M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Show About?

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

This unsettling film examines the disturbing nature of reality television and its impact on participants. Contestants are pushed to their limits, sacrificing their well-being for the entertainment of a captivated audience. The narrative explores the blurring lines between spectacle and suffering, offering a haunting reflection on society’s fascination with observing the struggles of others and the potential consequences of such voyeurism.

The Show Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • singing
  • circus
  • bearded lady
  • social outcast
  • social prejudice
  • circus act
  • success
  • opera
  • dancing
  • bank loan
  • mansion
  • showman
+38 more
  • three word title
  • female acrobat
  • ringmaster
  • opera singer
  • falling in love
  • husband wife relationship
  • museum
  • younger version of character
  • interracial love
  • father daughter relationship
  • interracial relationship
  • acrobat
  • oddity
  • live act
  • singer
  • discrimination
  • family man
  • friendship
  • freak show
  • tattooed man
  • giant
  • elephant
  • ballet
  • ballet shoes
  • dancer
  • trapeze artist
  • tailor
  • dog boy
  • obese man
  • party
  • protest
  • demonstration
  • fight
  • lantern
  • kiss
  • theatre critic
  • ticket taker
  • lion
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Cast & crew

The Show Cast & Characters

Josh Duhamel leads the cast as Adam Rogers, with Lucia Walters as Rebecca and Giancarlo Esposito as Mason.

Ratings

The Show Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Show 35 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in rewatch factor (90) and weakest in story & flow (55).

75 /100

The Show Echo Score Breakdown

The Show elicits a stark divide between critical and audience response, with reviewers offering both enthusiasm for its spectacle and concern over its coherence. Critics highlighted abrupt tonal shifts and underdeveloped satire, while viewers praised its visual flourish, memorable musical moments, and engaging performances. This polarized feedback yields a moderately positive impression that balances technical flair against narrative inconsistency. Ultimately, this blend of acclaim and criticism positions the film as a commendable yet flawed experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    Art & Craft benefits from vibrant visual design and meticulous editing, though critics found the film’s tone uneven. In terms of cinematography, users praised standout camera work and dynamic set pieces. Reviews also noted seamless editing rhythms and detailed costume and production design. Overall, the film showcases visual ambition tempered by inconsistent tonal execution.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character depth and emotion, audience reactions were largely favorable while critics remained silent on performance. Users highlighted compelling portrayals from the lead cast, noting genuine chemistry and nuanced vocal delivery. Some reviews praised emotional resonance in key scenes. Despite limited critical commentary, the ensemble’s heartfelt interpretations contribute significantly to the film’s emotive impact.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, critics criticized the film’s tonal inconsistencies and ill-conceived premise. Some viewers, however, found the narrative engaging in parts, praising breathless momentum and dramatic set pieces. At the same time, others noted abrupt transitions and underdeveloped thematic connections that undermined cohesion. Overall, the story remains uneven, balancing spirited sequences against a fragmented structure.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    When it comes to sensory experience, user reviews praised the soundtrack and visual effects for their immersive quality. Users described captivating musical numbers that linger long after viewing and highlighted striking special effects and cohesive color palettes. Critics did not comment extensively on audio or visuals. In sum, the film delivers a vibrant and compelling sensory presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    In terms of rewatch factor, audience feedback was strongly positive, with many expressing eagerness to revisit the film. Reviewers mentioned anticipating subsequent viewings, replaying favorite musical numbers, and recommending it for family screenings. There was no notable critical commentary on replay value. Ultimately, the film demonstrates high lasting appeal and replayability.

Plot

The Show Plot Summary

What happens in The Show from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

P. T. (Phineas Taylor) Barnum, portrayed by Josh Duhamel, is determined to create a world of wonder and excitement through his circus, leading audiences into a spectacle known as “The Greatest Show”. The narrative kicks off with Barnum singing alone against a black backdrop, before transporting viewers back to his humble beginnings. As a child, Barnum and his father, Philo, played by Will Swenson, worked for the Hallett family, comprising Benjamin and Hannah. During this time, Barnum becomes enchanted with their daughter, Charity, portrayed by Michelle Williams, despite the stern warnings he receives from Benjamin to distance himself.

Full summary

The whole story of The Show, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Show Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Show.

This is Your Death - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Show?

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 played the role of P.T. Barnum?

Cars

Cars in The Show

26 cars on screen, including the 1996 Honda Civic and the 2006 BMW 3 E90.

All 26 cars
  • 1996 Honda Civic in The Show 1996 Honda Civic Important role
  • 2006 BMW 3 E90 in The Show 2006 BMW 3 E90 Minor role
  • 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV in The Show 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV Minor role
  • 2006 Lincoln Town Car in The Show 2006 Lincoln Town Car Minor role
Details

The Show Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “This Is Your Death” and “Это - ваша смерть”.

Also known as
  • This Is Your Death
  • Это - ваша смерть
  • Esta é a Sua Morte: O Show
  • Това е вашата смърт
  • 这是你的死亡
  • Esta es tu muerte
  • El Show
  • 수어사이드 쇼
  • To jest twoja śmierć
  • El Show: Esta es tu muerte
  • Ubijalski šov
  • เกมส์โชว์ตาย

Seen The Show?

FAQ

The Show FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Show?

The Show runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was The Show released?

The Show was released on September 15, 2017.

Who is in the cast of The Show?

The Show stars Josh Duhamel as Adam Rogers, Lucia Walters as Rebecca and Giancarlo Esposito as Mason, among 16 credited actors.

What was the budget of The Show?

The Show had a reported budget of $84 million.

How is The Show rated?

The Show has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 35 on Metacritic, 57% on TMDB and 2.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does The Show have a post-credit scene?

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

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