Is The Debut Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Debut is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Debut Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2000, The Debut emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Basco) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. Unlike standard genre fare, The Debut 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 The Debut features a noteworthy lineup led by Dante Basco . Supported by the likes of Jayson Schaal and Brian Card , 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 The Debut (2000) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Debut Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Debut 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.
The Debut Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Debut 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 The Debut reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Debut?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Debut Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Debut Budget
The estimated production budget for The Debut is $1.0M. 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 The Debut
- Dante Basco – Ben Mercado
- Jayson Schaal – Doug
- Brian Card – Dave
- Mindy Spence – Jennifer
- Nicole Hawkyard – Susie
Top Highlights
Dante BascoBen Mercado
Jayson SchaalDoug
Brian CardDave
Mindy SpenceJennifer
Nicole HawkyardSusie
Brandon MartinezRick
Ernie ZarateTito Lenny
Gina AlajarGina Mercado
Bernadette BalagtasRose Mercado
Derek BascoEdwin Mercado
Where to Watch The Debut Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Debut is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Debut stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2000 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Debut movie hit or flop?
The Debut has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Debut worth watching?
The Debut 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 The Debut online?
The Debut is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Debut
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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.
