Magellan
Performance & Direction: Magellan Review
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Magellan (2025) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and Magellan features a noteworthy lineup led by Gael García Bernal . Supported by the likes of Ângela Ramos and Ronnie Lazaro , 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: Magellan
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2025, Magellan is a History, Adventure, Drama film directed by Lav Diaz. 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 Gael García Bernal.
Ending Explained: Magellan
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Lav Diaz, Magellan attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to history resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Gael García Bernal, 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 history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Magellan reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Magellan Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Magellan draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, adventure, drama film directed by Lav Diaz, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Gael García Bernal's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Magellan adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Magellan?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for History films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Magellan
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Magellan Budget
The estimated production budget for Magellan is $2.3M. 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: Magellan
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Magellan Parents Guide & Age Rating
2025 AdvisoryWondering about Magellan age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Magellan is 164 minutes (2h 44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.1/10, and global performance metrics, Magellan is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2025 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magellan worth watching?
Magellan is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 5.1/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Magellan parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Magellan identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Magellan?
The total duration of Magellan is 164 minutes, which is approximately 2h 44m long.
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Critic Reviews for Magellan
The real definition of every frame being a painting, it’s truly that beautiful. Magellan is one of the best historical biopic films I’ve ever seen. Shot entirely with static frames, minimal scoring, calm and quiet vibes, and cinematography that’s beautifully serene and soothing to look at. Lav Diaz also boldly portrays the dark side of colonialism and the deceit of European explorers in the past even though, as far as I know (CMIIW), the film is supported by institutions from Portugal and Spain and he conveys all of that with extraordinary beauty. This film isn’t just about recounting the past, but serves as a reminder, showing us how European explorers once tortured, colonized, plundered, and pitted Southeast Asian nations against one another. With this film, we are given a silent witness to how cruelty and human greed can destroy norms and morality.
I have never assigned a rating of 1/10 to any film until this one. For all those that have been taken by the cinematography, you have been taken for a ride. The use of a 4:3 ratio, dark, smudgy static wide shot series of 2-4 minutes takes, minimal dialog and acting does not make a great film, especially when it is slow for no reason and lasts almost 3 hours. You couldn't even see the main protagonist's face for the first 70 minutes. The net result is a ludicrous film masquerading as art, a talentless, lazy imitation of Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God.
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.
