The Great & The Small Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Great & The Small
| Movie | The Great & The Small |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | Dusty Bias |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Great & The Small (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Great & The Small are led by Melanie Lynskey . The supporting cast, including Ritchie Coster and Ann Dowd , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Great & The Small does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Great & The Small has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Great & The Small
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, The Great & The Small is a Drama film directed by Dusty Bias, written by Dusty Bias. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Melanie Lynskey as Margaret.
Ending Explained: The Great & The Small
The Great & The Small Ending Explained: Twenty-six year old Scott is living on the streets and trying to find his way back into society while on probation for petty crimes. Directed by Dusty Bias, this 2016 drama film stars Melanie Lynskey (Margaret), alongside Ritchie Coster as Richie, Ann Dowd as Dupre, Louisa Krause as Nessa. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Great & The Small?
Twenty-six year old Scott is living on the streets and trying to find his way back into society while on probation for petty crimes. He attempts to navigate his relationship with his two bit criminal of a boss and an enigmatic detective, while at the same time winning back the heart of his ex-girlfriend, a working single mom. Never having a mother or father himself, Scott discovers the true meaning of fatherhood.
Dusty Bias's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Melanie Lynskey (Margaret)'s journey. He attempts to navigate his relationship with his two bit criminal of a boss and an enigmatic detective, while at the same time winning back the heart of his ex-girlfriend, a working single mom.
How Does Melanie Lynskey (Margaret)'s Story End?
- Melanie Lynskey: Melanie Lynskey's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ritchie Coster (Richie): Ritchie Coster's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ann Dowd (Dupre): Ann Dowd's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Great & The Small Mean?
The Great & The Small's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Melanie Lynskey may feel rushed. Dusty Bias's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Great & The Small Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Great & The Small Based on a True Story?
No, The Great & The Small is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Dusty Bias and starring Melanie Lynskey may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Great & The Small?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Melanie Lynskey or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Great & The Small Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Fandango At HomeThe Great & The Small Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about The Great & The Small age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Great & The Small (2016) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Dusty Bias, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Great & The Small is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great & The Small worth watching?
The Great & The Small is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Great & The Small parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Great & The Small identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Great & The Small (2016)?
The runtime of The Great & The Small (2016) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
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.



