Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Documentary

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? (2019): Cast & Ratings

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? (2019) movie poster

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? is a 2019 documentary directed by Roberto Minervini, starring Judy Hill, Michael Nelson and Kevin Goodman. It runs 2 hours 3 minutes and earned $44,290 worldwide. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
worldwide gross
$44.3K
Echo Score
63
Loading streaming availability…
What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 3m (123 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? About?

The premise of What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? without spoilers.

During a summer of intense racial tensions in the American South of 2017, a close-knit Black community offers support and understanding amidst hardship. As shocking killings ripple across the nation, this powerful documentary explores themes of perseverance, dignity, and the ongoing fight for justice. It offers a poignant look at the strength and resilience of individuals facing adversity.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? Cast

Judy Hill leads the cast, with Michael Nelson and Kevin Goodman. Directed by Roberto Minervini; 8 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire?

· 4 more
From the director

More from Roberto Minervini

More films directed by Roberto Minervini, best-rated first: The Damned, Stop the Pounding Heart, The Other Side and The Passage.

Full filmography
Ratings

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in story & flow (35).

63 /100

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, the film delivers a visually striking but structurally uneven exploration of social justice. Critics praised its solemn tone, rich human portrayal, and impressionistic unfolding while noting a collage-like form that seldom settles into a cohesive narrative. The uneven pacing and sporadic focus on ideas contribute to a fragmented experience. Ultimately, the film presents compelling moments yet lacks narrative coherence.

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

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film showcases striking cinematography and thoughtful production design tempered by moments of chaotic execution. Observers noted graceful black-and-white framing and sensitive natural-light shots alongside instances of non-spontaneous construction that distract from realism. Occasional editing choices contribute to an uneven texture. Overall, the visual craftsmanship is impressive but intermittently flawed.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film delivers poignant moments of collective resilience and genuine community spirit. Heartfelt sequences, including cultural songs and interpersonal bonds, anchor its emotional core. At times, however, the pacing and fragmented structure limit deeper connection with individual arcs. Overall, the emotional resonance is earnest but occasionally diluted by uneven focus.

  • Story & Flow 35

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative feels fragmented and intermittently unresolved. Reviewers remarked on its collage-like structure that dips into social issues without sustained development and a lack of a definitive conclusion. Uneven pacing and missed thematic opportunities further undermine engagement. Overall, the plot offers moments of insight but struggles with cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film offers a striking audiovisual palette. The black-and-white visuals and natural-light photography create an immersive mood, while the inclusion of traditional songs enriches the atmosphere. Some critics noted that carefully constructed framing at times reduces spontaneity. Overall, the sensory design is evocative, blending imagery and sound in compelling fashion.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of rewatch value, the film presents mixed potential for future viewings. Its thematic richness and visual artistry invite reflection, but uneven pacing, fragmented structure, and a lack of narrative resolution may deter repeated screenings. While the emotional moments and cultural vignettes hold appeal, the overall inconsistency limits lasting replay value.

Box office

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? Box Office

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? grossed $44,290 worldwide. $4,672 came from the US and Canada and $39,618 (89%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$44.3K

US & Canada
$4.7K
International
$39.6K
US & Canada 11% Rest of the world 89%
Videos

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? Trailers & Videos

The trailer of What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire?.

‘What You Gonna Do When The World's On Fire?’ - first trailer for Venice Competition title
Details

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “What You Gonna Do When the World’s on Fire?” and “Che fare quando il mondo è in fiamme?”.

Also known as
  • What You Gonna Do When the World’s on Fire?
  • Che fare quando il mondo è in fiamme?
  • Что ты будешь делать, когда мир в огне?
  • O que Você Irá Fazer Quando o Mundo Estiver em Chamas
  • What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire ?
  • 為何你還袖手旁觀?
  • 战火蔓延,尔等何为
  • 화염 속의 세상
  • Què faràs quan el món estigui en flames?

Seen What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire??

FAQ

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire?, each answered in a sentence.

How long is What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire??

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? runs 2 hours 3 minutes (123 minutes).

When was What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? released?

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? was released on August 16, 2019.

Who directed What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire??

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? was directed by Roberto Minervini.

More films by Roberto Minervini

Who is in the cast of What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire??

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? stars Judy Hill, Michael Nelson and Kevin Goodman, among 8 credited actors.

How much did What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? make at the box office?

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? grossed $44,290 worldwide ($4,672 domestic, $39,618 international).

How is What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? rated?

What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? have a post-credit scene?

No. What You Gonna Do When the World's on Fire? has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app