This Must Be the Place
Performance & Direction: This Must Be the Place Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is This Must Be the Place (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and This Must Be the Place features a noteworthy lineup led by Sean Penn . Supported by the likes of Olwen Fouéré and Eve Hewson , 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 This Must Be the Place (2011) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: This Must Be the Place
Quick Plot Summary: This Must Be the Place is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A bored, retired rock star sets out to find his father's tormentor, an ex-Nazi war criminal who is a refugee in the U.S. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, 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. The 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: This Must Be the Place
Ending Breakdown: This Must Be the Place resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for 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 with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of This Must Be the Place reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch This Must Be the Place?
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
Box Office Collection: This Must Be the Place
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
This Must Be the Place Budget
The estimated production budget for This Must Be the Place is $25.0M. 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.
Top Cast: This Must Be the Place
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch This Must Be the Place Online?
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Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThis Must Be the Place Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about This Must Be the Place age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of This Must Be the Place is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, This Must Be the Place is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Must Be the Place worth watching?
This Must Be the Place is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find This Must Be the Place parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for This Must Be the Place identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of This Must Be the Place?
The total duration of This Must Be the Place is 118 minutes, which is approximately 1h 58m long.
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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.
