Verdict:Building the Gherkin is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 8.4/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Yes, Building the Gherkin is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences. Bottom Line: Highly recommended!
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, Building the Gherkin emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Can a single building impact the career of an architect, the image of a global company and even the skyline of a big city? Just a month and a day after the disastrous attack on the World Trade Center in New York, the first steel beam of a new tower is erected in London. Unlike standard genre fare, Building the Gherkin attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize character depth and thematic resonance, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Mirjam von Arx, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Building the Gherkin features a noteworthy lineup led by Norman Foster. Supported by the likes of John Coomber and Rees Peter Wynne, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned. The chemistry between the leads is particularly effective, serving as the emotional glue that holds the more complex plot points together. In the broader context of 2005 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary space.
From a technical perspective, Building the Gherkin is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a vibrant and expressive color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects are seamlessly integrated, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the current technological constraints. The practical effects, in particular, lend a weight and reality to the film that digital-only productions often miss. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
The structure of Building the Gherkin follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 89 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains intellectually stimulating. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Building the Gherkin resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as human resilience and ethical ambiguity with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 8.4/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Analyzing the plot deeper, Building the Gherkin is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Can a single building impact the career of an architect, the image of a global company and even the skyline of a big city? Just a month and a day after the disastrous attack on the World Trade Center in New York, the first steel beam of a new tower is erected in London. One question is on everybody’s mind: is it the right decision to build a new iconic tower in the midst of London’s financial district, on a site that has already been bombed before? The 40-storey steel and glass tower sparks further controversy. Norman Foster, one of Britain’s most visionary architects, calls his design for the new Swiss Re London headquarters ‘radial – socially, technically, architecturally and spatially’. In fact, its size and shape are so radical that it is almost immediately nicknamed ‘the erotic gherkin’. Will the Gherkin become the landmark they all dream of?
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is profoundly hopeful yet grounded in reality. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Building the Gherkin (2005) is overwhelmingly acclaimed. With an audience rating of 8.4/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Norman Foster, John Coomber, Rees Peter Wynne or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Building the Gherkin is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2005. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1,331,148 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for Building the Gherkin is $1,331,148. 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.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 8.4/10, and global collection metrics, Building the Gherkin stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Building the Gherkin is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 8.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.
Yes, Building the Gherkin is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.
Building the Gherkin may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Can a single building impact the career of an architect, the image of a global company and even the skyline of a big city? Just a month and a day after the disastrous attack on the World Trade Center in New York, the first steel beam of a new tower is erected in London. One question is on everybody’s mind: is it the right decision to build a new iconic tower in the midst of London’s financial district, on a site that has already been bombed before? The 40-storey steel and glass tower sparks further controversy. Norman Foster, one of Britain’s most visionary architects, calls his design for the new Swiss Re London headquarters ‘radial – socially, technically, architecturally and spatially’. In fact, its size and shape are so radical that it is almost immediately nicknamed ‘the erotic gherkin’. Will the Gherkin become the landmark they all dream of?