I, Daniel Blake
Performance & Direction: I, Daniel Blake Review
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is I, Daniel Blake (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and I, Daniel Blake features a noteworthy lineup led by Dave Johns . Supported by the likes of Hayley Squires and Briana Shann , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: I, Daniel Blake
Quick Plot Summary: I, Daniel Blake is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A middle aged carpenter, who requires state welfare after injuring himself, is joined by a single mother in a similar scenario. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist 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 emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: I, Daniel Blake
Ending Breakdown: I, Daniel Blake resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of I, Daniel Blake demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch I, Daniel Blake?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: I, Daniel Blake
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $15.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: I, Daniel Blake
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Where to Watch I, Daniel Blake Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Fandango At HomeI, Daniel Blake Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about I, Daniel Blake age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of I, Daniel Blake is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.7/10, and global performance metrics, I, Daniel Blake is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I, Daniel Blake worth watching?
I, Daniel Blake is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.7/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find I, Daniel Blake parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for I, Daniel Blake identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of I, Daniel Blake?
The total duration of I, Daniel Blake is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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Critic Reviews for I, Daniel Blake
**A reminder that the society is made up of all kinds of people and some of them need gentle assistance.** There was an Oscar buzz for this. Many film experts thought it would sail through, but that did not happen. Now I saw it and I think it should have made into. If the priests' dirty secrets were recognised to condemn on such a big platform, then this film deserves as well. Because it reveals the cruelty against the economically weaker families and computer illiterate old men. It is only this much short to be called a documentary film. I mean it was very realistic with cinematic dialogues, otherwise a documentary. This is a message film, highlights what's wrong with our system and who are all suffering from it. The actors were great and the 80 years- old director had done a magnificent job. You could watch as many films you want, but if you fail to watch a film like this often, there no meaning getting into film watching business. The story follows a 60 year old widower whose name mentioned in the title. As he is recovering from heart attack and as advise given by his doctor, now he's out of the job and support allowance. Whenever he approaches the officials to look his issue, they always come up with different reasons to send him back disappointing. Especially not being into the computers, he struggles to fill forms on the internet platform. He's very patience and following everything they have told him to do. One day he comes to aid to a single mother with two kids who recently moved to the city from London, when she is too struggling in the employment agency to get a job. So their relationship grows as they lend hands to one another in tough times. Following, how they recover from the issues they are facing is what the film to cover in the remaining parts. > "Listen, you know, you give me a plot of land, I can build you a house. But I've never been anywhere near a computer." I liked this the film, but I think it was too realistic for my kind of taste. Because I like emotional parts and in this film those parts were highly effective, but not sentimentally striking way. Maybe you can say, less music with more dramatisation changed the storytelling style. Though the focus given on economically lower class and their way of life, not intentionally, but lack of support in society, all these were well detailed. I have always supported films that point outs flaws in basic establishment in society. Almost all the major struggling juncture one goes through in the employment agency, particularly if the person was old is uncovered. Like the telephone calls responding to the recorded message, online applications, as well as meeting them in person. What we're facing right now in the world is or to know is, not everybody is a computer literate. It'll be in the future, but not now. They are not getting proper help, particularly agency treating them like the illegal immigrants. In addition the film gets more interesting when a single mother was introduced. On the other side, different issues faced by poverty ridden small family, particularly her desperate attempt to fulfill the basic needs of her children is heartbreaking. This is not just the English problem, but everywhere else in the world. It had won several awards, particularly one BAFTA award. A good film for everyone, only if you understand the notion of the film or else will be a boring film. While I was watching it, I thought it was a regular kind drama, so I kept expecting that things would turn this and that way. For almost the entire film, but it's only in the final stage something it came up with to surprise me. So my advice is keep low expectation and be patience. More importantly accept what it reveals than what you want from it. If you fail on that, then its not your film and to know that the only way is to watch it. _7½/10_
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.









