We Are What We Are

  • 2013
  • R
  • 105m
movieMx RATING
5.8
586
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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We Are What We Are Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 9, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 9, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: We Are What We Are

MovieWe Are What We Are
Release Year2013
DirectorJim Mickle
GenreDrama / Horror / Thriller
Runtime105 minutes (1h 45m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is We Are What We Are (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. 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 We Are What We Are are led by Bill Sage . The supporting cast, including Ambyr Childers and Julia Garner , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of We Are What We Are (2013) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.8/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While We Are What We Are 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, We Are What We Are 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: We Are What We Are

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, We Are What We Are is a Drama, Horror, Thriller film directed by Jim Mickle, written by Nick Damici. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bill Sage as Frank Parker.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The Parkers, reclusive people who cling to ancient customs, find their secret lives threatened when a torrential downpour and the death of the family matriarch forces daughters Iris and Rose to assume special responsibilities. The screenplay takes time to develop Bill Sage's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet Bill Sage as Frank Parker in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Jim Mickle builds this foundation carefully, and over its 105-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
  • Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings Bill Sage's arc to its natural conclusion. Jim Mickle's direction falls somewhat short of expectations, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Ending Explained: We Are What We Are

We Are What We Are Ending Explained: Directed by Jim Mickle, We Are What We Are attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.

The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Bill Sage. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of We Are What We Are reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch We Are What We Are?

Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: We Are What We Are

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $81.4K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Where to Watch We Are What We Are Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

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We Are What We Are Parents Guide & Age Rating

2013 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about We Are What We Are age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

We Are What We Are is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of We Are What We Are (2013) is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Directed by Jim Mickle, the film runs for 105 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, We Are What We Are is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for We Are What We Are. Rating: 5.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is We Are What We Are worth watching?

We Are What We Are is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find We Are What We Are parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for We Are What We Are identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of We Are What We Are (2013)?

The runtime of We Are What We Are (2013) is 105 minutes (approximately 1h 45m).

🛡️

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
★ 5.8
We Are What We Are
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