Is Manderlay Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Manderlay is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 139 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Manderlay Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, Manderlay emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1933, a young woman and her father discover an Alabama plantation whose inhabitants live as if slavery had never been abolished. Unlike standard genre fare, Manderlay attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Manderlay features a noteworthy lineup led by Bryce Dallas Howard . Supported by the likes of Isaach de Bankolé and Danny Glover , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Manderlay (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Manderlay Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Manderlay is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Manderlay Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Manderlay concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Manderlay reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Manderlay?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Manderlay Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.2M |
| Worldwide Gross | $674.9K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Manderlay Budget
The estimated production budget for Manderlay is $14.2M. 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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Full Cast & Crew of Manderlay
- Bryce Dallas Howard – Grace Margaret Mulligan
- Isaach de Bankolé – Timothy
- Danny Glover – Wilhelm
- Willem Dafoe – Grace's Father
- Michaël Abiteboul – Thomas
Top Highlights
Bryce Dallas HowardGrace Margaret Mulligan
Isaach de BankoléTimothy
Danny GloverWilhelm
Willem DafoeGrace's Father
Michaël AbiteboulThomas
Lauren BacallMam
Jean-Marc BarrMr. Robinsson
Geoffrey BatemanBertie
Virgile BramlyEdward
Ruben BrinkmanBingo
Where to Watch Manderlay Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Manderlay is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, Manderlay stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manderlay movie hit or flop?
Manderlay has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Manderlay worth watching?
Manderlay is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Manderlay online?
Manderlay is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Manderlay Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Manderlay
Interesting social / psychological experiment following the trail of Dogville but not as round and imaginative as the previous one.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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