This Was America

  • 2020
  • Not Rated
  • 94m
movieMx RATING
5.5
2
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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This Was America Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: This Was America

MovieThis Was America
Release Year2020
DirectorJamie Bailey
GenreDrama
Runtime94 minutes (1h 34m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is This Was America (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in This Was America are led by Caylin Turner . The supporting cast, including Simon Phillips and Michael Coughlan , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of This Was America (2020) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.5/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While This Was America 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, This Was America 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: This Was America

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, This Was America is a Drama film directed by Jamie Bailey, written by Tom Goldsmith. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Caylin Turner as Violet.

Ending Explained: This Was America

This Was America Ending Explained: The borders are closed as part of a racially intolerant agenda. Directed by Jamie Bailey, this 2020 drama film stars Caylin Turner (Violet), alongside Simon Phillips as David, Michael Coughlan as Bounty Hunter, Laura Radu as Natasha (as Laura C. Stoica). Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of This Was America?

USA 2029. The borders are closed as part of a racially intolerant agenda. All non citizens are being deported - one family fights to stay together. The journey to escape the persecution in the states begins.

Jamie Bailey's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Caylin Turner (Violet)'s journey. All non citizens are being deported - one family fights to stay together.

How Does Caylin Turner (Violet)'s Story End?

  • Caylin Turner: Caylin Turner's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Simon Phillips (David): Simon Phillips's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Michael Coughlan (Bounty Hunter): Michael Coughlan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of This Was America Mean?

The ending of This Was America brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Caylin Turner's story may not satisfy all audiences.

This Was America Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is This Was America Based on a True Story?

No, This Was America is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Jamie Bailey and starring Caylin Turner may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch This Was America?

Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Where to Watch This Was America Online?

Streaming Hub

This Was America Parents Guide & Age Rating

2020 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about This Was America age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

This Was America has not been officially rated yet.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of This Was America (2020) is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Directed by Jamie Bailey, the film runs for 94 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, This Was America is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for This Was America. Rating: 5.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Was America worth watching?

This Was America is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find This Was America parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for This Was America identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of This Was America (2020)?

The runtime of This Was America (2020) is 94 minutes (approximately 1h 34m).

🛡️

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
This Was America
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