Before Midnight
Performance & Direction: Before Midnight Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Before Midnight (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Before Midnight features a noteworthy lineup led by Ethan Hawke . Supported by the likes of Julie Delpy and Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Before Midnight
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Before Midnight is a Romance, Drama film directed by Richard Linklater. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ethan Hawke.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. It has been nine years since we last met Jesse and Celine, the French-American couple who once met on a train in Vienna. They now live in Paris with twin daughters but have spent a summer in Greece at the invitation of an author colleague of Jesse's. When the vacation is over and Jesse must send his teenage son off to the States, he begins to question his life decisions, and his relationship with Celine is at risk. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Ethan Hawke, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: Before Midnight
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Linklater, Before Midnight resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Ethan Hawke, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Before Midnight demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Before Midnight?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Romance cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate heartfelt love stories and emotional depth
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Before Midnight
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Before Midnight Budget
The estimated production budget for Before Midnight is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Before Midnight
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Where to Watch Before Midnight Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeBefore Midnight Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about Before Midnight age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Before Midnight is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Before Midnight is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Before Midnight worth watching?
Before Midnight is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Before Midnight parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Before Midnight identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Before Midnight?
The total duration of Before Midnight is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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How Before Midnight Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Before Midnight
Effortless charm and chemistry, that still actually feels realistic despite the ups and downs. If you liked the first two you will like this one too. 8/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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