Verdict:Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 1.5/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In this open-letter style documentary, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis' rich lives guide their grandson on his personal quest to master lasting love, conscious art, and undying activism. Unlike standard genre fare, Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee features a noteworthy lineup led by Ruby Dee . Supported by the likes of Harry Belafonte and Angela Bassett , 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.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee (2014) is negative. With an audience rating of 1.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Quick Plot Summary: Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee is a Documentary film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Breakdown: Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
The final moments of Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Consider Watching If:
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 1.5/10, and global collection metrics, Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.
Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 1.5/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 1.5/10, Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
