Is Making Up Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Making Up is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 15 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Making Up Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, Making Up emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Making Up is set in the late 1980s, framed within the gritty drag scene of London's east end. Unlike standard genre fare, Making Up 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 Ryan Paige, 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 Making Up features a noteworthy lineup led by Dave Johns. Supported by the likes of Carey Thring and Jessica Ellerby, 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 Dave Johns, Carey Thring, Jessica Ellerby manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2023 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, Making Up 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 Making Up follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 15 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. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Making Up 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 0/10 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, Making Up is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Making Up is set in the late 1980s, framed within the gritty drag scene of London's east end. The short film stars BIFA award-winning Dave Johns, Jessica Ellerby and Carey Thring and follows Ted who is diagnosed with a hereditary illness. Ted must therefore reconcile with estranged daughter, Cassandra. However, being a celebrated drag queen, paired with the bitter feelings Cassandra harbours over their past, presents a larger obstacle for Ted to overcome.
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 Making Up (2023) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 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 Dave Johns, Carey Thring, Jessica Ellerby or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Making Up is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2023. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Making Up Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Making Up Budget
The estimated production budget for Making Up is $20,000. 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.
Where to Watch Making Up Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Channel 4 PlusParents Guide & Age Rating
Making Up has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Making Up stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Making Up movie hit or flop?
Making Up is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Making Up worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Making Up may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Making Up online?
Making Up is currently available for streaming on Channel 4 Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Channel 4 Plus depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Making Up is set in the late 1980s, framed within the gritty drag scene of London's east end. The short film stars BIFA award-winning Dave Johns, Jessica Ellerby and Carey Thring and follows Ted who is diagnosed with a hereditary illness. Ted must therefore reconcile with estranged daughter, Cassandra. However, being a celebrated drag queen, paired with the bitter feelings Cassandra harbours over their past, presents a larger obstacle for Ted to overcome.