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White Material

Name: White Material
Genre: Drama
Released: 2010-03-24
Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Christopher Lambert, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Isaach de Bankolé, William Nadylam

2010 | 106 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
What might put you off: It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In the midst of a volatile regime change in a Francophone African state, Maria Vial is fighting to sustain her family’s coffee plantation. With rebels and the army struggling for control, French peacekeeping forces move out, warning the remaining white residents that they’re on their own. But Maria refuses to be driven off the land, even as tragedy looms.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 19K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Claire Denis

Isabelle HuppertMaria Vial
Christopher LambertAndré Vial
Nicolas DuvauchelleManuel Vial
Isaach de BankoléBoxer
William NadylamChérif
Michel SuborHenri Vial
Adèle AdoLucie
Ali BarkaiJeep
Thomas Dumerchez