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Documentary

What We Started (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

What We Started (2018) movie poster

What We Started is a 2018 documentary directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi, starring Carl Cox, Martin Garrix and Ed Sheeran. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $434,437 worldwide. Critics gave it 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
worldwide gross
$434.4K
Echo Score
63
Metascore
51
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What We Started (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Directors
Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is What We Started About?

The premise of What We Started without spoilers.

This documentary explores the world of electronic dance music through the perspectives of leading DJs like Carl Cox and Martin Garrix. It delves into the industry's rapid growth and increasing mainstream popularity, featuring appearances from artists such as Usher and Ed Sheeran. Viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the culture and people driving the genre's global rise.

What We Started Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • dance
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Cast & crew

What We Started Cast

Carl Cox leads the cast, with Martin Garrix and Ed Sheeran. Directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in What We Started

· 6 more
From the directors

More from Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi

More films directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi, best-rated first: Champs and The American Meme.

Ratings

What We Started Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave What We Started 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (35).

63 /100

What We Started Echo Score Breakdown

The film offers a thorough exploration of electronic dance music history but suffers from pacing inconsistencies and an overabundance of detail. While enthusiasts praise its educational depth and behind-the-scenes access, critics note that the narrative sometimes drags and feels uneven. The documentary’s strong musical segments provide engaging moments, yet the fluctuating focus across eras diminishes cohesion. Overall, it delivers valuable insights but with a somewhat uneven execution.

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 documentary features clear interviews and visually coherent sequences but adheres to a largely conventional shooting style. Cinematography delivers consistent framing of archival footage and live performances, yet the editing occasionally feels overly dense. While some reviewers applaud the comprehensive visual approach, others find the sequence transitions heavy. Overall, the art direction is competent but rarely striking.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film showcases personal stories of pioneering DJs. Interviews with Martin Garrix and Carl Cox provide insight into their motivations, and many viewers felt connected to these narratives. Yet critics note that shifting perspectives can dilute the emotional trajectory. Overall, character portrayals are engaging but occasionally inconsistent.

  • Story & Flow 35

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary delivers a broad historical overview but suffers from uneven pacing and narrative cohesion. Critics point out that transitions between eras feel abrupt, and some segments linger on detail at the expense of momentum. Users likewise describe confusion in covering certain periods, particularly the 1990s crossover movement. Overall, the story offers comprehensive content but with a disjointed progression.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    From a sensory standpoint, the film leverages a rich soundtrack of EDM classics and contemporary tracks to energize key moments. Sound design maintains clarity in interviews and live performances, while audio mixing highlights the genre’s rhythmic elements. Though some critics wish for more varied musical selections, viewers report feeling invigorated by the score. Overall, the sensory presentation is a highlight, delivering engaging musical immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Regarding rewatch factor, the documentary’s depth appeals to dedicated fans interested in detailed history, offering insights that may reward multiple viewings. However, the dense information and occasional pacing lulls could deter casual viewers from revisiting the film. While enthusiasm for behind-the-scenes anecdotes remains strong, the uneven narrative flow may limit its replay value. Overall, rewatch appeal is moderate, with rewards for genre enthusiasts.

Box office

What We Started Box Office

What We Started grossed $434,437 worldwide. $382,457 came from the US and Canada and $51,980 (12%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$434.4K

US & Canada
$382.5K
International
$52K
US & Canada 88% Rest of the world 12%
Videos

What We Started Trailers & Videos

The trailer of What We Started.

What We Started - Trailer
Details

What We Started Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “תולדות המוסיקה האלקטרונית” and “無聞起聲色”.

Also known as
  • תולדות המוסיקה האלקטרונית
  • 無聞起聲色
  • 电子舞曲发展史
  • 風起電湧 EDM
  • จุดเริ่มต้นของจังหวะ
  • What We Started: Klubimusiikin nousu
  • What We Started: EDM-ens begynnelse

Seen What We Started?

FAQ

What We Started FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of What We Started, each answered in a sentence.

How long is What We Started?

What We Started runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was What We Started released?

What We Started was released on March 23, 2018.

Who directed What We Started?

What We Started was directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi.

More films by Bert Marcus

Who is in the cast of What We Started?

What We Started stars Carl Cox, Martin Garrix and Ed Sheeran, among 10 credited actors.

How much did What We Started make at the box office?

What We Started grossed $434,437 worldwide ($382,457 domestic, $51,980 international).

How is What We Started rated?

What We Started has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 51 on Metacritic, 72% on TMDB and 3.4/5 on Letterboxd.

Does What We Started have a post-credit scene?

No. What We Started has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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