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The Square 2017

A respected art curator finds his carefully constructed life and professional reputation challenged after a minor transgression. His institution faces a public relations crisis when a provocative social media campaign sparks debate about art, responsibility, and the complexities of modern society. The film explores the uncomfortable gap between intentions and impact, and the consequences of navigating ethical dilemmas in a highly scrutinized world.

A respected art curator finds his carefully constructed life and professional reputation challenged after a minor transgression. His institution faces a public relations crisis when a provocative social media campaign sparks debate about art, responsibility, and the complexities of modern society. The film explores the uncomfortable gap between intentions and impact, and the consequences of navigating ethical dilemmas in a highly scrutinized world.

Does The Square have end credit scenes?

No!

The Square does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Square

Explore the complete cast of The Square, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Square

See how The Square is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Square stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

70

The Square offers strong craft and compelling character study but uneven narrative flow and mixed sensory cohesion. Reviews praise nuanced acting and incisive satire but note plot holes and rambling pacing. The film’s dark humor and morally ambiguous themes engage intellectually, though some find heavy-handed commentary and length problematic. Overall, The Square leaves a distinctive, if uneven, impact that balances commendable ambition with moments of indulgence.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Square

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, The Square displays meticulous direction and polished construction. Critics highlight Östlund’s deliberate pacing and measured editing, while users note inventive camera setups that sustain visual interest. Production design effectively grounds both gallery spaces and street sequences with understated textures. Despite occasional uneven tonal shifts, the film’s overall aesthetic coherence and refined execution create a consistently engaging visual framework.

75
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character depth and emotion, The Square is anchored by a compelling central performance. Reviews commend Claes Bang’s nuanced portrayal of Christian and the ensemble’s ability to convey awkward social dynamics. The film’s dark humor underscores emotional resonance, though some viewers find the intellectual tone limits heartfelt connection. Ultimately, the character work provides a thoughtful exploration of self-awareness and social identity.

60
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, The Square combines original scenarios with irregular momentum. The narrative’s episodic structure delivers thought-provoking vignettes that examine moral ambiguity, but critics and audiences point to dead-end side stories and abrupt tonal shifts. While the film offers surprising detours that keep engagement high, its extended runtime and occasional convoluted sequences can undermine coherence. Overall, the plot remains intriguing yet uneven.

65
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When evaluating sensory experience, The Square employs a restrained soundtrack and precise sound design that accentuate its darkly comedic tone. Visual style hinges on static compositions and continuous takes, creating a subtle sense of realism. Users appreciate inventive camera work, though some find the aesthetic occasionally overly cool. The film’s minimalistic musical cues and focused soundscapes reinforce its contemplative atmosphere, delivering a measured sensory impact.

70
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

On rewatch value, The Square offers layers of nuance that invite additional viewings. Critics mention returning to knotty scenarios that reveal deeper thematic undercurrents over time. Some users report fresh insights upon repeat watches, particularly regarding visual detail and satirical commentary. However, the film’s length and cerebral focus may deter less patient viewers. Overall, its intellectual depth and structural complexity reward multiple engagements.

Metacritic

73

Metascore

7.6

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

85%

TOMATOMETER

review

70%

User Score

IMDb

7.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.6

From 628 fan ratings

Movie Insider

5.00/5

From 1 fan rating

Awards & Nominations for The Square

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Square, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Square and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


23rd Critics' Choice Awards 2018

Nomination

Best Foreign Language Film

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Square

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Square. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


The Square - Official Trailer

Ruben Östlund on Confronting His Audience with 'The Square' | NYFF55

Ruben Östlund | 'The Square' Press Conference | NYFF55

NYFF Live: Ruben Östlund | The Square | NYFF55

How THE SQUARE found the Best Monkey Impersonator | Ruben Östlund | TIFF 2017

In conversation with... Ruben Östlund on The Square

Official Excerpt 1/3

Official Excerpt 2/3

Official Excerpt 3/3

Cars Featured in The Square

See 7 more

Explore all cars featured in The Square, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Ford

Focus Kombi MkII

MAN

2013

Lion's City G

Mercedes-Benz

SL R107

Nissan

2003

Almera Tino

Peugeot

2010

5008

Tesla

2013

Model S

Volvo

V40

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


modern artstockholm swedencondomsex sceneperformance artsocial satireart installationarttrustcon artisthypocrisymuseumyoutube videostolen walletstolen phonemuseum of modern arthomeless personartistic directorviral videopickpocketcry for helpartisttesla carape manshopping mallbeggarcufflinkspolitical correctnesssociologyart exhibitionawkward situationinternetshamejournalisttheftman makes animal soundsmusclemancultural elitecuratormuseum of contemporary artmodern art museumtalking to oneselfswedenreference to facebookremorsefalling down stairsself censorshipfreedom of expressionvideothreat

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