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Documentary

Totally Under Control (2020): Ratings & Box Office

Totally Under Control (2020) movie poster

Totally Under Control is a 2020 documentary directed by Alex Gibney and Ophelia Harutyunyan. It runs 2 hours 3 minutes and earned $1,465 worldwide. Critics gave it 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
99%
worldwide gross
$1.5K
Echo Score
85
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Totally Under Control (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 3m (123 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Studio
Neon
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Totally Under Control About?

The premise of Totally Under Control without spoilers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the United States suffered immense loss of life and economic hardship, South Korea’s proactive and controlled response resulted in significantly fewer casualties. This documentary examines the contrasting approaches and explores the questions surrounding US leadership during the crisis. It investigates the frustration and uncertainty that arose as corruption and a lack of clear direction appeared to undermine the nation’s response to the global pandemic, raising questions about how such a powerful country struggled to contain the virus.

Totally Under Control Themes & Keywords

· 20 tags
  • covid 19
  • coronavirus
  • pandemic
  • year 2020
  • hydroxychloroquine
  • reference to donald trump
  • incompetence
  • contagious disease
  • nationwide crisis
  • covid 19 pandemic
  • president of the united states
  • face mask
+8 more
  • united states of america
  • death
  • voice over narration
  • time lapse photography
  • reference to 9 11
  • claim in title
  • lung disease
  • three word title
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Crew

The Director of Totally Under Control

Directed by Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger.

Ratings

Totally Under Control Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Totally Under Control 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

85 /100

Totally Under Control Echo Score Breakdown

In overall terms, Totally Under Control excels at delivering a structured and urgent analysis of the U.S. pandemic response. It combines clear narrative progression with concise interview segments that maintain engagement while avoiding extraneous detail. Visually, the film employs crisp cinematography and restrained editing to underscore its investigative tone. The documentary’s focused messaging and substantial information base drive home its critique, though its abrupt conclusion and potential need for future updates temper its lasting cohesion. Net impression: a compelling and timely exposé.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary demonstrates strong visual composition through deliberate framing and an understated color palette that captures pandemic-induced chaos. The cinematography consistently reinforces thematic urgency, and the editing weaves diverse interview footage into a coherent sequence. Production design remains minimal but effective. Net impression: visually confident and purposefully crafted.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    In terms of character and emotion, the film relies on firsthand accounts to deliver palpable emotional resonance among subjects. Interviewees convey a mixture of frustration and disbelief that underscores bureaucratic indifference. The absence of on-camera perspectives from key officials creates a gap in depth, but the presented testimonies maintain a steady personal connection. Net impression: emotionally engaging yet perspective-limited.

  • Story & Flow 80

    When it comes to story and flow, Totally Under Control maintains clear narrative coherence from outbreak onset to policy failures. The pacing is measured, avoiding undue repetition while systematically unfolding events. The focused structure aids viewer comprehension, though the film’s abrupt ending can feel unresolved. Net impression: well-organized and informative, yet slightly truncated.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    In terms of sensory experience, the documentary pairs an incisive score with balanced sound design to amplify tension without overwhelming content. Visuals employ a restrained style that reinforces factual presentation, and editing transitions support thematic continuity. The soundtrack subtly underlines moments of urgency, creating a cohesive audio-visual atmosphere. Net impression: consistently engaging on a sensory level.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When considering rewatch value, the film’s thorough documentation and clear message offer enduring informational appeal. However, its topical nature and reliance on evolving real-world developments may limit replay enjoyment over time. The documentary’s clarity encourages revisiting for reference, but updates will likely be required to maintain relevance. Net impression: informative with moderate replay incentive.

Box office

Totally Under Control Box Office

Totally Under Control grossed $1,465 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.5K

International
$1.5K
Videos

Totally Under Control Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Totally Under Control.

TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL - Official Trailer
Details

Totally Under Control Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Sob Total Controle” and “Под полным контролем”.

Also known as
  • Sob Total Controle
  • Под полным контролем
  • 完全可控
  • 토탈리 언더 컨트롤
  • Tout est sous contrôle

Seen Totally Under Control?

FAQ

Totally Under Control FAQ: Box Office, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Totally Under Control, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Totally Under Control?

Totally Under Control runs 2 hours 3 minutes (123 minutes).

When was Totally Under Control released?

Totally Under Control was released on October 13, 2020.

Who directed Totally Under Control?

Totally Under Control was directed by Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger.

More films by Alex Gibney

How much did Totally Under Control make at the box office?

Totally Under Control grossed $1,465 worldwide.

How is Totally Under Control rated?

Totally Under Control has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Totally Under Control have a post-credit scene?

No. Totally Under Control has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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