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Music documentary

The Torch (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Torch (2019) movie poster

The Torch is a 2019 music documentary directed by Jim Farrell, starring Buddy Guy, Quinn Sullivan and Carlos Santana. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes and earned $9,459 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 72/100.

worldwide gross
$9.5K
Echo Score
72
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The Torch (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 47m (107 min)
Director
Jim Farrell
Genres
Music , Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Torch About?

The premise of The Torch without spoilers.

Buddy Guy, a celebrated blues icon at 83, is dedicated to ensuring the art form thrives for generations to come. The documentary follows Guy as he mentors Quinn Sullivan, a young guitar prodigy he's guided since childhood. Through electrifying musical performances, the film explores Guy’s own formative experiences learning from blues legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, and showcases his commitment to passing on his knowledge and passion to the next generation of musicians.

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Cast & crew

The Torch Cast

Buddy Guy leads the cast, with Quinn Sullivan and Carlos Santana. Directed by Jim Farrell; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Torch

· 5 more
From the director

More from Jim Farrell

One more film directed by Jim Farrell: The Torch.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Torch Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in art & craft (55).

72 /100

The Torch Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Torch delivers a compelling portrait of blues legend Buddy Guy, anchored by strong musical performances and heartfelt interviews. Critics praise its ability to convey the artist’s passion and mentorship, while some note uneven editing and a lack of broader perspectives. Viewer feedback underscores the documentary’s educational value and emotional resonance. Though the narrative occasionally feels uneven, the film succeeds in celebrating Guy’s legacy and offers an engaging experience for both fans and newcomers.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of direction and editing, the documentary offers moments of visual clarity but suffers from uneven pacing. Critics highlight the stilted editing and occasional lack of cohesive cinematography, while others commend the effective presentation of concert footage. The mixed technical execution results in a moderately polished visual experience.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When assessing character depth and emotional resonance, the film succeeds in showcasing Buddy Guy’s personality and his mentorship of younger musicians. Reviewers note the genuine chemistry between Guy and Quinn Sullivan, and the heartfelt storytelling adds an intimate layer. Despite critiques about limited diversity, the overall portrayal yields a strong emotional impact.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative structure provides a thorough history of Buddy Guy’s career but occasionally feels formulaic. Critics mention that the documentary does not break new ground and relies on familiar interview formats, leading to a front‑loaded focus on mentorship. Nonetheless, the chronological progression keeps viewers informed and maintains moderate engagement throughout.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    The film’s soundscape is a highlight, featuring vibrant concert recordings and clear interview audio that immerse the audience in the blues atmosphere. Reviewers commend the rich musical performances and effective mixing, which enhance the viewing experience. While visual styling is modest, the auditory elements deliver a compelling sensory impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 82

    Given its focus on legendary performances and mentorship, the documentary offers lasting appeal for fans and newcomers alike. Viewers appreciate the enriching insights and musical showcases, suggesting the film rewards repeat viewings. Although some criticize its limited narrative depth, the overall experience remains engaging enough to invite future rewatches.

Box office

The Torch Box Office

The Torch grossed $9,459 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$9.5K

US & Canada
$9.5K
Videos

The Torch Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Torch.

Official Trailer
Details

The Torch Also Known As

Also known as “Buddy Guy”.

Also known as
  • Buddy Guy

Seen The Torch?

FAQ

The Torch FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is The Torch?

The Torch runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).

When was The Torch released?

The Torch was released on October 27, 2019.

Who directed The Torch?

The Torch was directed by Jim Farrell.

More films by Jim Farrell

Who is in the cast of The Torch?

The Torch stars Buddy Guy, Quinn Sullivan and Carlos Santana, among 9 credited actors.

How much did The Torch make at the box office?

The Torch grossed $9,459 worldwide.

Does The Torch have a post-credit scene?

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

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