Is Coriolanus Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Coriolanus is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 170 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Coriolanus Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Coriolanus emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Staged at the Stratford Festival and named on many 2018 year-end critics “best of” lists, the Stratford Festival’s “riveting” and “exhilarating” (The New York Times) production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, has been called “the show of the decade… a landmark production for the Stratford Festival. Unlike standard genre fare, Coriolanus attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Robert Lepage, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Coriolanus features a noteworthy lineup led by Andre Sills. Supported by the likes of Lucy Peacock and Graham Abbey, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Andre Sills, Lucy Peacock, Graham Abbey manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2019 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Coriolanus is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric 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 provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Coriolanus follows a sophisticated deliberate pace. Over its 170 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. 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. While some may find the extended runtime testing, the investment pays off for audiences who appreciate a narrative that isn`t afraid to breathe and explore its more nuanced corners.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Coriolanus resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4.7/10 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.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Coriolanus is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Staged at the Stratford Festival and named on many 2018 year-end critics “best of” lists, the Stratford Festival’s “riveting” and “exhilarating” (The New York Times) production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, has been called “the show of the decade… a landmark production for the Stratford Festival. Maybe for William Shakespeare, too” (The Globe and Mail), and “the greatest contemporary staging of this play that I have ever seen” (Chicago Tribune).
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Coriolanus (2019) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.7/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Andre Sills, Lucy Peacock, Graham Abbey or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Coriolanus is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2019. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Coriolanus Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
BroadwayHDParents Guide & Age Rating
Coriolanus has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.7/10, and global collection metrics, Coriolanus stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coriolanus movie hit or flop?
Coriolanus is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is Coriolanus worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, Coriolanus may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Coriolanus online?
Coriolanus is currently available for streaming on BroadwayHD. You can also check for it on platforms like BroadwayHD depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Staged at the Stratford Festival and named on many 2018 year-end critics “best of” lists, the Stratford Festival’s “riveting” and “exhilarating” (The New York Times) production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, has been called “the show of the decade… a landmark production for the Stratford Festival. Maybe for William Shakespeare, too” (The Globe and Mail), and “the greatest contemporary staging of this play that I have ever seen” (Chicago Tribune).