RATING★ 6.0
WORTH IT? MAYBE
This World Is Not My Own backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for This World Is Not My Own.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is This World Is Not My Own Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

Chewing gum sculptures, a wealthy gallerist, a notorious murder case, and the segregated south - it's all part of Nellie Mae Rowe's boundless universe. This World Is Not My Own reimagines this self-taught artist's world and her life spanning the 20th century.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Documentary, Animation cinema, then This World Is Not My Own offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2023 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Documentary films
Fans of Animation films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2023, This World Is Not My Own represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, Animation category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Chewing gum sculptures, a wealthy gallerist, a notorious murder case, and the segregated south - it's all part of Nellie Mae Rowe's boundless universe. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Animation are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Chewing gum sculptures, a wealthy gallerist, a notorious murder case, and the segregated south - it's all part of Nellie Mae Rowe's boundless universe. This World Is Not My Own reimagines this self-taught artist's world and her life spanning the 20th century."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Uzo Aduba ensure that the emotional beats of This World Is Not My Own always land with sufficient weight. Uzo Aduba provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Petter Ringbom is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 97 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is This World Is Not My Own truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Animation, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, This World Is Not My Own explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Petter Ringbom respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, This World Is Not My Own serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Uzo Aduba or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, This World Is Not My Own is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

97MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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