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Mainstream

Play trailer 1:00 Poster for Mainstream R 2021 1h 34m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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42% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 40% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In MAINSTREAM, a young woman (Maya Hawke) thinks she's found a path to internet stardom when she starts making YouTube videos with a charismatic stranger (Andrew Garfield) -- until the dark side of viral celebrity threatens to ruin them both.
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Mainstream

Mainstream

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Critics Consensus

Mainstream makes a vain attempt to satirize viral fame, settling instead for obvious commentary that feels painfully dated.

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Critics Reviews

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Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News 05/20/2021
2.5/4
Once "Mainstream" locks into its purpose - showing the vapidity, cruelty and calculation of certain YouTube stars - it soars. Go to Full Review
Katie Rife AV Club 05/08/2021
C-
A more incisive film would have something to say about using empty spectacle to comment on empty spectacle. Go to Full Review
Isaac Feldberg RogerEbert.com 05/07/2021
2/4
[Mainstream] drills down hard into its subject, jettisoning Coppola's previous restraint in favor of a more confrontational and graceless hyperactivity. Go to Full Review
Maxance Vincent Film Speak Jul 13
A-
Andrew Garfield gives one of his best performances in a brilliant satire of social media and influencer culture. Go to Full Review
Marya E. Gates Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack) Apr 11
Not only skewers social media stardom and the very nature of the Hollywood machine itself, but also the way both reflect the increasingly shallow core values of contemporary society. Go to Full Review
Susanna Norbiato Loud and Clear Reviews 09/16/2024
4/5
Mainstream tackles one of the most debated themes of our time in an interesting and innovative way: the (at times, unhealthy) relationship some of us have with social networks and their stars, the Influencers. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Feb 22 I think this is totally worth a watch for anyone into UX/UB/misinformation/echo chambers... See more Matthew A 04/28/2024 Lost in the Hype - Real Lost! Mainstream starts off with a promising premise, diving into the world of social media fame and its dark side. But somewhere along the way, it loses its focus, leaving us with a messy and forgettable experience. Here's what flickers briefly: Intriguing Idea: The movie tackles a relevant topic - the intoxicating and often destructive nature of online fame. First Act Sizzle: The opening sets the scene with an interesting energy, making you curious about where things might go. However, Mainstream quickly derails with these major flaws: Scattered Story: The plot takes too many sharp turns, leaving characters underdeveloped and the overall message unclear. Shallow Portrayals: The characters feel one-dimensional, existing solely to move the plot forward rather than offering any real depth. Style Over Substance: The movie prioritizes flashy visuals over a compelling narrative, leaving you feeling empty by the end. Ultimately, Mainstream is a frustrating missed opportunity. It has the potential for a thought-provoking commentary on social media, but gets bogged down in a confusing mess. If you're looking for a film that explores the dark side of internet culture, this is one to skip. At 1.5 stars, it's a lukewarm watch that might leave you checking your phone for something more engaging. It is worth watching while you are multi-tasking, but not as a sit and watch. Not really worth your time investment!!! -Matthew See more amelia n 01/28/2023 I watched the movie despite rather harsh reviews from critics, and I can safely say that it was a great decision. A shocking portrayal of, even if maybe a little outdated and slightly exaggerated, the behind the scenes of internet stars and the consequences of their actions. See more 03/25/2022 A very strong first act and a manically self deprecating performance by Garfield on par with Robin Williams in Fisher King. The movie quickly devolves in the second act into a dark and heavy handed meditation on narcissism. Disappointing considering how much Garfield and the rest of the cast bring to their roles. There are however some interesting moments and visuals through out. See more 03/12/2022 I was hoping it'd be good like Under the Silver Lake but it was pretty boring. See more 02/23/2022 powerful message and true. Andrew was incredible. See more Read all reviews
Mainstream

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Movie Info

Synopsis In MAINSTREAM, a young woman (Maya Hawke) thinks she's found a path to internet stardom when she starts making YouTube videos with a charismatic stranger (Andrew Garfield) -- until the dark side of viral celebrity threatens to ruin them both.
Director
Gia Coppola
Producer
Fred Berger, Gia Coppola, Lauren Bratman, Andrew Garfield, Siena Oberman, Jack Heller, Alan Terpins, Enrico Saraiva, Francisco Rebelo de Andrade, Zac Adams
Screenwriter
Tom Stuart, Gia Coppola
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Paint Night Productions, Artemis Film, American Zoetrope, TUGAWOOD Pictures, Assemble Media, Automatik Entertainment, Dynasty Pictures (II)
Rating
R (Some Graphic Nudity|Pervasive Language)
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 7, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA)
$35.5K
Runtime
1h 34m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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