Gray State: The Rise Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Gray State: The Rise
| Movie | Gray State: The Rise |
| Release Year | 2015 |
| Director | David Crowley |
| Genre | Documentary / Drama |
| Runtime | 159 minutes (2h 39m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Gray State: The Rise (2015) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Gray State: The Rise are led by Zillah Glory . The supporting cast, including Jason Bermas and Kurt Bills , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Gray State: The Rise stands out as a strong entry in the Documentary genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Documentary narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Gray State: The Rise has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Documentary fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Gray State: The Rise
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2015, Gray State: The Rise is a Documentary, Drama film directed by David Crowley. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Zillah Glory as Narrator (voice).
Ending Explained: Gray State: The Rise
Gray State: The Rise Ending Explained: A documentary about America’s current militarized police state, the liberal use of deadly force against unarmed citizens, and a possible pending economic collapse. Directed by David Crowley, this 2015 documentary film stars Zillah Glory (Narrator (voice)), alongside Jason Bermas as Self, Kurt Bills as Self, Hannah Borno as Self. Rated 7.8/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Gray State: The Rise?
A documentary about America’s current militarized police state, the liberal use of deadly force against unarmed citizens, and a possible pending economic collapse. The world reels with the turmoil of war, geological disaster, and economic collapse, while Americans continue to submerge themselves in illusions of safety and immunity. While rights are sold for security, the federal government, swollen with power, begins a systematic takeover of liberty in order to bring about a New World Order. Fear-mongering, terrorism, police state, martial law, war, arrest, internment, hunger, oppression, violence, resistance. Neighbor is turned against neighbor as the value of the dollar plunges to zero, food supplies are depleted, and everyone becomes a terror suspect. There are arrests. Disappearances. Bio attacks. Public executions of those even suspected of dissent. Even rumors of concentration camps on American soil. The GRAY STATE is here. It always was. By consent or conquest.
David Crowley's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Zillah Glory (Narrator (voice))'s journey. The world reels with the turmoil of war, geological disaster, and economic collapse, while Americans continue to submerge themselves in illusions of safety and immunity.
How Does Zillah Glory (Narrator (voice))'s Story End?
- Zillah Glory: Zillah Glory's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with David Crowley delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 39m runtime.
- Jason Bermas (Self): Jason Bermas's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Kurt Bills (Self): Kurt Bills's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Gray State: The Rise Mean?
The ending of Gray State: The Rise ties together the narrative threads involving Zillah Glory. David Crowley chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Gray State: The Rise Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Gray State: The Rise Based on a True Story?
No, Gray State: The Rise is a work of fiction. While the documentary, drama film directed by David Crowley and starring Zillah Glory may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Gray State: The Rise?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Documentaries cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Be prepared for a long sit at 2h 39m.
Gray State: The Rise Parents Guide & Age Rating
2015 AdvisoryWondering about Gray State: The Rise age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Gray State: The Rise (2015) is 159 minutes (2h 39m). Directed by David Crowley, the film runs for 159 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.8/10, and global performance metrics, Gray State: The Rise is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2015 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gray State: The Rise worth watching?
Gray State: The Rise is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 7.8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Gray State: The Rise parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Gray State: The Rise identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Gray State: The Rise (2015)?
The runtime of Gray State: The Rise (2015) is 159 minutes (approximately 2h 39m).
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.



