Is Ruben Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ruben is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 14 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ruben Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Ruben emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Desperately trying to come to terms with his sexuality, gay teenager Ruben finds his path to sexual acceptance complicated, as homophobic bullying brings him ever closer to the brink of suicide. Unlike standard genre fare, Ruben 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 Ruben features a noteworthy lineup led by Erick Brons . Supported by the likes of Anneli van der Hulst and Jim de Groot , 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 Ruben (2012) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ruben Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ruben 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.
Ruben Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ruben attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Ruben reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ruben?
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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Full Cast & Crew of Ruben
- Erick Brons – Ruben
- Anneli van der Hulst – Kim
- Jim de Groot – Richard
- Monique Schutz – Karin
- Karim El Kadi – Mike
Top Highlights
Erick BronsRuben
Anneli van der HulstKim
Jim de GrootRichard
Monique SchutzKarin
Karim El KadiMike
Luca BorsatoDavid
Jochum van der WoudeKees
Neil van der HulstRoy
Gerwin GrooteDocent
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Ruben has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, Ruben stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruben movie hit or flop?
Ruben is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is Ruben worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, Ruben may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Ruben online?
Ruben 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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How Ruben Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ruben
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.