Aquarius

  • 2016
  • NR
  • 147m
movieMx RATING
7.4
509
VERDICT
HIT
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Aquarius Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Aquarius

MovieAquarius
Release Year2016
DirectorKleber Mendonça Filho
GenreDrama
Runtime147 minutes
LanguagePT

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Aquarius (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. 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 Aquarius are led by Sonia Braga . The supporting cast, including Maeve Jinkings and Irandhir Santos , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Aquarius (2016) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 7.4/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Aquarius stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Drama narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Aquarius 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: Aquarius

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Aquarius is a Drama film directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sonia Braga.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Clara, a vibrant former music critic and widow with flowing tresses is the only remaining apartment owner in a beautiful older building targeted for demolition by ruthless luxury high-rise developers. Clara proves to be a force to be reckoned with as she thwarts the builders plans to kick her out of the apartment. The screenplay takes time to develop Sonia Braga'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 the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Sonia Braga's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Ending Explained: Aquarius

Aquarius Ending Explained: Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, Aquarius resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.

The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Sonia Braga. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
  • Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Aquarius reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Aquarius?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Sonia Braga or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Aquarius

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $762.2K
Worldwide Gross $285.9K
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Aquarius Budget

The estimated production budget for Aquarius is $762.2K. 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.

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Top Cast: Aquarius

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Where to Watch Aquarius Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Aquarius Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

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

Aquarius is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Aquarius is 147 minutes (2h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Aquarius is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Aquarius. Rating: 7.4/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aquarius worth watching?

Aquarius is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Aquarius parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Aquarius identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Aquarius?

The total duration of Aquarius is 147 minutes, which is approximately 2h 27m long.

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How Aquarius Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Aquarius

🛡️

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
★ 7.4
Aquarius
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/aquarius-377273" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.4</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Aquarius</div></div></a>

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