Verdict:Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 0.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The Drum Waltzes explores the life and music of legendary drummer, activist Max Roach, his creative peaks, personal struggles and re-inventions from the Jim Crow to Civil Rights eras, from heady days of post-war jazz to hip hop and beyond. Unlike standard genre fare, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes 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 Sam Pollard, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes features a noteworthy lineup led by Max Roach. Supported by the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim and Questlove, 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 Max Roach, Abdullah Ibrahim, Questlove 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 Documentary space.
From a technical perspective, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes 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.
The structure of Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 82 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.
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary 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.
Analyzing the plot deeper, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. The Drum Waltzes explores the life and music of legendary drummer, activist Max Roach, his creative peaks, personal struggles and re-inventions from the Jim Crow to Civil Rights eras, from heady days of post-war jazz to hip hop and beyond.
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.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes (2023) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Max Roach, Abdullah Ibrahim, Questlove or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes 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.
PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel
Amazon VideoAmazon VideoAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes is currently available for streaming on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel depending on your region.
The Drum Waltzes explores the life and music of legendary drummer, activist Max Roach, his creative peaks, personal struggles and re-inventions from the Jim Crow to Civil Rights eras, from heady days of post-war jazz to hip hop and beyond.