Limbo
Performance & Direction: Limbo Review
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Limbo (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Limbo features a noteworthy lineup led by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio . Supported by the likes of David Strathairn and Vanessa Martinez , 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: Limbo
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1999, Limbo is a Adventure, Drama, Thriller film directed by John Sayles. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
Ending Explained: Limbo
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Sayles, Limbo concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Limbo reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Limbo?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Limbo
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $8.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Limbo Budget
The estimated production budget for Limbo is $8.0M. 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: Limbo
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Where to Watch Limbo Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreLimbo Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about Limbo age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Limbo is 126 minutes (2h 6m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Limbo is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Limbo worth watching?
Limbo is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Limbo parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Limbo identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Limbo?
The total duration of Limbo is 126 minutes, which is approximately 2h 6m long.
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How Limbo Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Limbo
**_The challenges of life on the remote coast of the Great Northwest_** A handyman in an isolated coastal town of Southeast Alaska (David Strathairn) meets a singer (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) while considering getting back to the ocean as a fisherman. He takes the woman and her daughter (Vanessa Martinez) on a boat trip up the coast where things don’t go as planned. Written/directed by John Sayles, "Limbo" (1999) is a drama that becomes a gritty adventure and character study. After the dramatic set-up, the milieu is similar to “Out of Control” (1984) and “The Edge” (1997), just way more mundane and realistic. “Nightmare at Bittercreek” (1988) and "Anything to Survive" (1990) are good comparisons, although this is far superior to the latter. "Courage" (2009) ripped it off a decade later for a far lesser movie hampered by eye-rolling dramatics and hammy acting. The ending may understandably turn-off some viewers, but Sayles respects the intelligence of the viewer to put the pieces together. The answers are there for those who care. The movie runs 2 hours, 6 minutes, and was shot in Juneau, Alaska. GRADE: A-
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.
