Mainstream (2020) User Reviews

A strange experience is all I can say

[jtindahouse · 5/10 · 9 May 2021]

'Mainstream' was a very strange experience for me. It's one of the more unique films I've ever seen, however unique certainly doesn't always equal good. The main problem I found with the film were the characters. The type of people being portrayed - fame-seeking, do anything for money, selfish, entitled scum - aren't a lot of fun to watch, even when they are being portrayed by Andrew Garfield giving everything he has to a role.

Garfield is probably the one redeeming factor this movie has going for it. It was a strange performance to watch because I could tell he was putting it all out there and doing a great job of it, but his character was so strange and unlikeable that it almost all went to waste. Maya Hawke (daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke) on the other hand didn't have to do a whole lot for her role, but because she was the one mildly likeable character her performance came across quite well. It was a weird dynamic.

I don't think I can recommend this one. There's a world where I could see people enjoying this here and there, but for the most part people just aren't going to have a good time with this one. If you like unique and bizarre movies though then this one could be right up your alley. Otherwise stay away.

Went to far with its premise for me, but I can see what it was trying to do

[joostkale · 4/10 · 8 May 2021]

It's honestly impressive how a movie can be so weird, yet very predictable. It all started of so simple and honestly pretty interesting. Garfield plays an outsider who is just so fascinating and entertaining to look and listen to. He is by far the best thing to come out of this as he gives more than 110%. He shows the light and fun side, but also the dark places that an internet star can go to. On the other hand, the rest of this movie is just not on his level at all. I know Maya Hawke is a very good actress, but this just wasn't it for her. Her chemistry with Garfield just wasn't there and in general her character was just very of to me. But the main problem with this movie is definitely the story. I like the message that it's trying to tell us that we should all just put our phones down and be ourselves, but it's just the execution of that message that is so wrong. The exaggeration and unrealistic moments are so bad in this movie. This is not how the internet works, and we all know that. It's kinda like are writer went on YouTube for the first time, clicked on a couple of channels, and made a movie about it. It's just too much for me. It kept me entertained enough all the way through, but it's just not that good.

Falls Short With All Opportunity

[sweidman-28016 · 5/10 · 17 May 2021]

"Are you prepared to let the world see the real you?"

In this cautionary tale by Gia Coppola, a young woman finds a path to internet stardom when she starts making videos with a charismatic stranger. While bathing in their success, they struggle to preserve their identities as they form an eccentric love triangle within the fast-moving internet age. Undoubtedly, Mainstream has so much potential. When exploring the internet and how culture reacts to it these days, so much can be said and create meaningful messages. And that's what the movie tries to do. Unfortunately, that's where it loses potential. It would be fine if there was something greater to be said, but all that is said has been known for years now and we get nothing new out of the story. With its introduction, the movie isn't bad. Most of the beginning is just built on a promising setup. Our three main characters are all interesting and could lead somewhere. Andrew Garfield is electric in his overly obnoxious role. Honestly, it might be one of his best performances. Sometimes he goes a little too off the rails, but that is the point. Maya Hawke is good and so is Nat Wolff. I will say Nat Wolff is incredibly underutilized. He is one of the better characters and has a powerful voice in the story. Of course, the focus is more on Garfield.

Gia Coppola has a visual voice rather than story. The movie is shot incredibly well and has some very good visuals. That might be the best part of the movie. And the score is good as well. Other technicals fall flat. The editing has some really bad moments. On film Twitter, a clip of the movie was going around of an atrocious mistake left in the movie where the audio and video doesn't lineup and it randomly restarts. Other times, the editing just doesn't serve it well. But mainly, the story is just disappointing. You can watch it and be entertained, but it takes a certain person. Plot lines are dropped when they should be important. The whole third act just doesn't work well at all because of this. It wants to say how sometimes people can get extreme and it affects the lives of others detrimentally. That mainly falls with a short cameo from Alexa Demie. But the end says something a little different about it from Garfield's point of view and I'm not sure it was supposed to be taken seriously. Like, what happens is serious but the movie doesn't take it seriously like it should. Mainstream just falls short with each chance it has. I can see this gaining a cult following in the future. There is a good chunk of people who did really like it, and it's a battle between them and those who just hate it. I'm more in the middle. I don't exactly hate it and I did find myself entertained, but it's just not that great. Gia Coppola has yet to find her voice, but there is potential with upcoming work.

I'd advise you to skip this one out

[keep_it_low_pro · 4/10 · 8 May 2021]

This movie caught my attention because of Andrew Garfield, who pour his everything in this somewhat of a mediocre movie. Though it had an interesting premise, the execution was just...bad. If you have one and a half hours to kill, you could check it out, but you'll surely get frustrated by the end of it.

Jog on

[lawrencelawrence86 · 2/10 · 28 May 2021]

Wasted a great Andrew Garfield performance on a film with a rubbish subject matter, the people who may like this film are early teens and they aren't gonna watch it, why bother, any film about being and Internet star or influencer etc won't work, whether it's positive or not, most people with half a brain are now programmed to be repulsed by it.

When a Pretentious Instagram post became a movie...

[faolanredwolf · 6/10 · 7 May 2021]

This is not a good movie. But, it is so bad, that it's almost good again. That said, Andrew Garfield is acting his heart out and he deserves all the praise he gets. Sadly on the other hand, Miss Hawke is a bit of a plank of wood who often disappears behind the otherwise stellar cast. It does seem at times that Andrew is in a better movie, a movie I'd rather be watching. It has enough crazy energy and manic scenes to make it a future Cult Classic. But alas, for now it's just an unfocused, pretentious mess of morality tale, that is way too in love with itself.

jake paul

[ahk-37714 · 8 June 2021]

I saw jake paul and I just left the cinema. His presence ruined the film completely.

Brilliant acting but a story full of clichés

[darioz-99232 · 6/10 · 1 November 2020]

First I gotta say Andrew Garfield is marvelous in this movie. His mimic and his movements are crazy and you're buying every part of his character. Maya Hawk is also good and Jason Schwartzman is solid as always. But now to the movie: the first 30 minutes started off great and I had very high expectations for the rest of the movie. It was funny, interesting and most importantly kind of making fun of influencers and social media. But then, the movie turned in another direction and was only filled with stereotypes like a 2000s high school movie. Suddenly there was only love and jealousy on the one hand, and on the other heartlessness and making big bucks. The movie could've definitely turned out better, but Andrew Garfield safed the day with his acting!

I'm traumatized.

[alejandroalcantara_ · 4/10 · 28 January 2022]

48/100

It hurts, doesn't it? Seeing one of your favorite actors carry an entire film that just doen't hold up. What's way worse, though, is seeing that movie -even though you'll regret it- just because of that same actor.

A tiny bit part about Mainstream actually knew what it was doing. It understood that, inside influencer culture, some of the people out there making content aren't the problem, but that they all share the chance of becoming emotionally-manipulated in a matter of seconds while also passing that onto their audience -and practically everyone around them-, creating a self-destructive yet stable community. But that was virtually it, despite some of the performances, of course.

From emoji-vomiting to 8-bit music, the movie acknowledges its natural weirdness, but fails at taking advantage of it. It was like watching a YouTube video without a structure, which could've been great to make a statement through its editing if it hadn't played it safe throughout the whole film.

Effectively everything in Mainstream feels like a mess for better or worse but, for neither cases did writer/director Gia Coppola could prevent from getting old since that ability to manipulate the subject matter to one's liking lacked the most.

I never leave reviews but a 4.8/10 is an injustice for this film.

[baleiby-15873 · 8/10 · 15 May 2021]

I can see why people gave this film a 4/10 but I feel it's driven based upon how the emotion of the film switched so quickly and didn't end the way they wanted it. The film is based upon how glued we are to the internet with instagram, youtube, facebook, et cetera. I don't want to spoil this movie, I just want people to watch this film rather than pass it over because of such a low rating it's given at the time of my review. The topic gives you something to think about and this shows the good side, the bad side, and the weird side that Andrew Garfield plays so well. If you've only seen him in, "Spiderman", then you need to watch him in, "Under the Silver Lake." Watch this movie and form your own opinion.

Take another look...

[maddycampo · 7/10 · 9 April 2021]

Mainstream is an interesting and strange film. Also, I understand why there are so many negative reviews, However, is it possible something has been overlooked? In my opinion, the simple fact that they created such stupid(and I say that with peace and love) content, adds to the overall message. In some ways it's actually pretty genius. After considering new sides and upon rewatching, people are famous for nothing. The pressure of that is so misunderstood.

not a chance

[sultan_2008 · 1/10 · 8 May 2021]

With all the sincerity I can muster: Meh.

Even the poster has Andrew pulling the troll face, you know that he knows it's bad.

There's a message behind this movie, unfortunately it's too boring to watch

[jseynopsis · 2/10 · 25 July 2021]

The message behind this movie is probably purposeful but the story is not good enough to make an impact. I gave it a shot only because the cast list enticed me. Sad to say it's boring.

Such a waste of time and money

[zimskojutro · 1/10 · 15 May 2021]

Oh, my God, this is so bad movie I actually wanted to cry out of boredom and pain. I don't know where to start: it's such a cliché and mediocre thing, there is no plot at all, dialogs are so stupid and meaningless, characters are unconvincable, the main character is so annoying and unlikeable, there is no point in making this movie. Honestly, I'm so puzzled how they convinced anybody to produce this movie, to put money in this disaster. Don't watch it cause you will literally feel your brain is shrinking.

Main...

[Mike2019 · 1/10 · 7 May 2021]

It should name it Main Stroke, not MainStream.

Pretty bad and stereotyped.

The movie supposedly had a message but it delivers it in a dull cliché

[Aktham_Tashtush · 6/10 · 14 May 2021]

So first I'll start with the cast,, Andrew Garfield acting was great, and the last scene was just wicked good .. Maya Hawke role was okay ,, Nat Wolff. Just got his everyday role, loving the girl - doesn't get the girl-then he gets the girl .. but it was a good casting overall.

The bad thing now is the storyline, as some has mentioned it does have a lot of clichés ,, Like the fist 10 minutes I was like things are going this way .. very expected ... It tries to draw you back but again it just felt predictable.

I do get it tries to send a message ,, a purposeful one I must say. But you also want to watch a movie with good writing /directing in which Gia Coppola was not successful.

Is the movie watchable ? Yes it is .. Is it enjoyable ? I'd say 5/10 .. now is it recommendable ? 6/10 for the message an all.

Utterly bizarre vision seen through to completion

[DanTribe · 5/10 · 19 February 2022]

I have incredible respect for the director, this is absolutely her full vision. Every decision and shot and line of dialogue is intentional and has to be appreciated.

That being said, the film is bad and at times makes no sense.

Mainstream is worth watching to see everything Gia Coppola wants you to see, and Andrew Garfield turns in one of the most interesting performances he has given in his career so far.

not sure why the rating is so low

[mildlymorbidx · 7/10 · 10 July 2021]

The themes in this movie are a little overused sure, but i was entertained. Andrew played a total jerkoff in this and did it well imo showing his range as an actor. The other performances were forgettable. There are some nice visuals in this and it was nice to see a normal looking lead female not some vapid idiot.

Garbage

[ryrymadrid · 1/10 · 20 January 2022]

This is one of the worst movies I've seen in a long time. The story is awful and so dumb. It seems like it was written by a 70 year old who doesn't know how the Internet works. I hate this movie.

IKSV Istanbul Film Festival

[yusufpiskin · 8/10 · 17 July 2021]

I will never understand why people say "bad" instead of "I don't understand" what they don't understand. This movie is not like the usual "mainstream" productions. And people couldn't grasp the movie. Gia Capolla was brave. Andrew and Maya have more than done their part.

Nice Idea

[atractiveeyes · 7/10 · 8 May 2021]

First of all, Andrew Garfield gives a great superb performance, he really deserves all the praise and all the awards in the world for his brilliant acting in this movie. As for the movie, it's flawed and sometimes stupid but it's also beautifully weird, enjoyable and deep. It has an interesting idea and it delivers a beautiful powerful message. Mainstream is a very good movie that could've been a masterpiece.

Surreal, but nice

[alinabalon-64769 · 5/10 · 11 January 2022]

"Mainstream" is a "black mirror" kind of movies. There is a lot of unpleasant truth about our reality, about our love and friendship problems, about our craving for being appreciated and seen by others. I loved the message of this movie, I loved actors there. However I didn't like director's style much. I felt kinda lost in some moments because of weird dynamics and because there are plenty of things in plot that weren't opened enough.

If you do like any type of Garfield's role and you're not afraid of "not as everyone" style of movies I would recommend you it! In other cases it's hard to recommend "mainstream".

We are all the same

[ks-60500 · 4/10 · 19 May 2021]

Nice outside and devil inside, especially in the Internet world, no responsibility required. Quite a telling the truth movie.

Had potential

[JustinDahl · 4/10 · 10 May 2021]

No offense to the Coppola clan but this movie was miscast and just plain stupid. A fruitless LA love story between AG (Hacksaw Ridge) and Uma's gorgeous daughter. It could've been a short. The costumes AG was wearing made me want to throw up my lunch, also Uma's daughter playing that baby in the bar gave me weird nightmares. Avoid this one.

Over the Over the Top

[jeroduptown · 4/10 · 5 August 2021]

I get that the point that it was supposed to be over the top - but it was so over that it was annoying. Garfield does a great job of making you hate social media stars...and that's about the only win of the film.