What We Do Next (2023): Cast & Ratings
What We Do Next is a 2023 drama thriller directed by Stephen Belber, starring Michelle Veintimilla as Elsa Mercado, Karen Pittman and Corey Stoll. It runs 1 hour 17 minutes. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 17m (77 min)
- Director
- Stephen Belber
- Original language
-
English
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is What We Do Next About?
The premise of What We Do Next without spoilers.
Following sixteen years in prison, Elsa Mercado's release forces Councilwoman Sandy James and corporate lawyer Paul Jenkins to reckon with their shared past. The film is a gripping thriller exploring the intersection of racial tension, socioeconomic divides, and the failings within the American criminal justice system, as long-buried secrets and resentments resurface, impacting their lives and those around them.
What We Do Next Themes & Keywords
· 10 tags- new york city
- politician
- lawyer
- prison parolee
- mayoral election
- chapters and titles appear in text on screen
- manslaughter
- blackmail
- political drama
- prison
What We Do Next Cast & Characters
Michelle Veintimilla leads the cast as Elsa Mercado, with Karen Pittman as Sandy James and Corey Stoll as Paul Fleming. Directed by Stephen Belber; 6 actors are credited in all.
- Director Stephen Belber
- Michelle Veintimilla as Elsa Mercado
- Karen Pittman as Sandy James
-
Corey Stoll as Paul Fleming - Shannon Cogan as Female Reporter
Also Starring in What We Do Next
· 2 more- Cynthia Rodriguez Radio News Host
- Rebecca Lowman Conference Reporter
More from Stephen Belber
More films directed by Stephen Belber, best-rated first: Match and Management.
What We Do Next Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave What We Do Next 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (65).
What We Do Next Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, the film presents a thoughtful exploration of morality within a tightly structured stage setting. Critics and viewers alike commend the nuanced performances and purposeful direction, while noting occasional limitations of the medium. The narrative sustains interest through compact storytelling and effective visual choices, resulting in a solid, if not groundbreaking, viewing experience that rewards repeat engagement.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, the direction and visual design receive generally positive notes. Critics highlight the film's calibrated staging and expressive cinematography, and users praise thoughtful set design and editing that avoids drag. Some criticism about underutilizing the cinematic medium tempers the praise, leading to a moderate craft rating.
- Character & Emotion 85
When it comes to character and emotion, the acting is widely praised. Both critics and users describe performances as compelling, powerful, and emotionally resonant, emphasizing the depth of the three protagonists. A few isolated negative remarks about a single actor do not outweigh the overall consensus of strong, nuanced portrayals.
- Story & Flow 75
Regarding story and flow, the narrative is seen as engaging and intellectually stimulating. Reviewers note the film's concise seven‑scene structure, its thematic richness around race, class, and justice, and its ability to maintain tension without dragging. Some view the premise as uneven, but the majority find the plot coherent and thought‑provoking.
- Sensory Experience 65
In the sensory domain, comments focus mainly on visual style. Critics and users point to expressive cinematography and effective set design that enhance the story’s mood. The lack of specific references to sound design or music leads to a modest assessment, situating the sensory experience as competent but unremarkable.
- Rewatch Factor 70
For rewatch factor, the film shows good replay potential. Viewers appreciate its layered themes, compelling dialogue, and the discussions it provokes, suggesting lasting appeal. While some find the short runtime a relief, the overall sentiment indicates that the work rewards multiple viewings despite its stage‑like constraints.
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Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 78%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 60% User score
See on TMDB
Seen What We Do Next?
Movies Like What We Do Next
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Next Three Days, Who We Are Now and Nobody Knows.
What We Do Next FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of What We Do Next, each answered in a sentence.
How long is What We Do Next?
What We Do Next runs 1 hour 17 minutes (77 minutes).
When was What We Do Next released?
What We Do Next was released on March 3, 2023.
Who directed What We Do Next?
What We Do Next was directed by Stephen Belber.
More films by Stephen Belber Who is in the cast of What We Do Next?
What We Do Next stars Michelle Veintimilla as Elsa Mercado, Karen Pittman as Sandy James and Corey Stoll as Paul Fleming, among 6 credited actors.
How is What We Do Next rated?
What We Do Next has 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60% on TMDB.
Does What We Do Next have a post-credit scene?
No. What We Do Next has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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