Performance & Direction: What Once Was Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What Once Was (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 3.0/10. 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 What Once Was features a noteworthy lineup led by Amir Christopher Shafii . Supported by the likes of Emily Karlsson and Jeff Lorch , 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 What Once Was (2016) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.0/10, it stands as a challenging project that may struggle to find an audience.
Story & Plot Summary: What Once Was
Quick Plot Summary: What Once Was is a Drama, Science Fiction 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.
Ending Explained: What Once Was
Ending Breakdown: What Once Was 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 What Once Was reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What Once Was?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: What Once Was
All Cast & Crew →
What Once Was Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about What Once Was age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What Once Was is 18 minutes (18m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 3.0/10, and global performance metrics, What Once Was is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Once Was worth watching?
What Once Was is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What Once Was parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What Once Was identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of What Once Was?
The total duration of What Once Was is 18 minutes, which is approximately 0h 18m long.
How What Once Was Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for What Once Was
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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.
