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Red Dust

Red Dust

Nothing is more dangerous than the truth.

2004110 minRMidcredits score: 66th percentile of all films
Director
Tom Hooper
Starring
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hilary Swank, Jamie Bartlett, Ian Roberts

Sarah Barcant, a lawyer in New York City who grew up in South Africa, returns to her childhood dwelling place to intercede for Alex Mpondo, a Black South African politician who was tortured during apartheid.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Red Dust?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Red Dust streaming on Prime Video, Shout! TV via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free).

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Red Dust?

Red Dust earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Red Dust worth watching?

Red Dust's Midcredits score is the 66th percentile of all films, from 3.3K ratings across 4 sources. 63% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

66th percentile

Better received than 66% of films

67th percentile among Drama64th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)60th
Approval (how many liked it)70th

64 /100

60th percentile of all films

61st percentile among Drama60th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

63% liked it

70th percentile of all films

71st percentile among Drama68th percentile among 2000s
63% rated it 7–1037% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 5 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Single Drama

Reach

How many have seen it

64th percentile

3.3K ratings across platforms

67th percentile among Drama56th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 12% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A courtroom-style drama about South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission that is serious, emotionally heavy, and aims to educate viewers about a complex historical process.

Fans praised

  • Stunningly photographed, saturated ochre landscapes
  • Powerful, moving insight into South Africa's Truth & Reconciliation process
  • Strong performances from Ejiofor and Bartlett

Detractors panned

  • Casting choices of Swank and Ejiofor as inauthentic and distracting
  • Script and plotting are incoherent, full of unexplained details and coincidences
  • Slow tempo and padded runtime, lacking substance

What stands out

Cinematography80

Stunning photography, especially saturated ochre landscapes

Emotional impactDivisive75

Moving and heartbreaking for fans; detractors found it unaffecting

ActingDivisive72

Ejiofor and Bartlett praised as outstanding; Swank criticized as miscast and unconvincing

AtmosphereDivisive72

Immersive depiction of post-apartheid South Africa; some fround it disjointed

OriginalityDivisive65

Unique focus on Truth & Reconciliation process; detractors see familiar apartheid tropes

EndingDivisive60

Strong finish for fans; detractors found it dissatisfying and contrived

Plot and storyDivisive55

Dramatizes Truth & Reconciliation process; detractors call it incoherent and lacking substance

PacingDivisive45

Slow start and courtroom sessions drag; fans note eventual grip

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 26 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Red Dust like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its heavy subject with solemn gravity, playing straight and sincere without irony.
The rideThe amnesty hearings and confrontations drive tension, with a melancholic, reflective tone throughout.
StructureThe narrative follows a conventional courtroom-style structure, moving from Sarah's return to the hearings and their resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you pondering the moral complexities of truth and reconciliation, and the lasting trauma of the victims.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by the question of what happened to Steve Sizela, pursued through the Truth and Reconciliation hearings, and ends when the truth is disclosed.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsTruth · 4% of filmsTrauma · 7% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the pursuit of justice and truth through South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while grappling with the lasting trauma of state violence.
StanceThe film questions whether justice and truth are achievable through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Rob Lane
Settingpost-apartheid South Africa during Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings
MusicThe score likely underscores the gravity of the hearings and personal trauma.

Content guide

Is Red Dust okay for kids?

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • CanadaR
  • Germany12

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Red Dust have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Red Dust?

Cast

Chiwetel Ejiofor
as Alex Mpondo
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Hilary Swank
as Sarah Barcant
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jamie Bartlett
as Dirk Hendricks
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ian Roberts
as Piet Muller
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Marius Weyers
as Ben Hoffman
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nomhle Nkonyeni
as Mrs. Sizela
Greg Latter
as Mannie Bester
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Elize Cawood
as Anna Hoffman
Robin Smith
as Duty Officer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Wilson Dunster
as District Judge
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Red Dust?

Movies like Red Dust include Nuremberg (2025), The Contender (2000) and Official Secrets (2019). Of the 12 closest matches, most are courtroom dramas, and most are hero-versus-nemesis stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its world: legal. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Red Dust?

778 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: courtroom drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.