A Complete Unknown
20242h 20m Directed by James Mangold
★7.1
(1177 votes)DramaMusic
Overview
New York, early 1960s. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.

No streaming options available
This movie may not be available in United States
Data provided by JustWatch
CAST

Timothée Chalamet
Bob Dylan

Edward Norton
Pete Seeger

Elle Fanning
Sylvie Russo

Monica Barbaro
Joan Baez

Scoot McNairy
Woody Guthrie

Dan Fogler
Albert Grossman

Boyd Holbrook
Johnny Cash

Will Harrison
Bob Neuwirth

Joe Tippett
Dave Van Ronk

Eriko Hatsune
Toshi Seeger
A Star is Born in the City that Never Sleeps
WatchListHQ•Sep 4, 2025
A Complete Unknown is a cinematic ode to the transformative power of music, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s New York City. The film tells the story of a young musician from Minnesota who arrives in the West Village with a guitar and a dream, destined to leave an indelible mark on the American music scene. With its talented cast, impeccable production design, and a narrative that masterfully captures the essence of a bygone era, A Complete Unknown is a must-watch for music lovers and fans of period dramas.
The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to transport viewers to a pivotal moment in American cultural history, when the folk music scene was on the cusp of revolutionizing the music industry. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the West Village's iconic streets, cafes, and music venues recreated in meticulous detail. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of original compositions and period-specific classics, is equally impressive, perfectly capturing the spirit of an era that was both tumultuous and transformative. The lead actor delivers a standout performance, bringing a depth and nuance to the protagonist that makes his journey feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Despite its many strengths, A Complete Unknown is not without its flaws. At 140 minutes, the film feels slightly overlong, with some scenes feeling like they could have been trimmed to improve the overall pacing. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity of the protagonist. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding film. Overall, A Complete Unknown is a powerful and moving tribute to the enduring power of music, and the ways in which it can change our lives and shape our culture. With its talented cast, stunning production design, and a narrative that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll, A Complete Unknown is a film that will leave viewers spellbound and eager for more.
The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to transport viewers to a pivotal moment in American cultural history, when the folk music scene was on the cusp of revolutionizing the music industry. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the West Village's iconic streets, cafes, and music venues recreated in meticulous detail. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of original compositions and period-specific classics, is equally impressive, perfectly capturing the spirit of an era that was both tumultuous and transformative. The lead actor delivers a standout performance, bringing a depth and nuance to the protagonist that makes his journey feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Despite its many strengths, A Complete Unknown is not without its flaws. At 140 minutes, the film feels slightly overlong, with some scenes feeling like they could have been trimmed to improve the overall pacing. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity of the protagonist. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding film. Overall, A Complete Unknown is a powerful and moving tribute to the enduring power of music, and the ways in which it can change our lives and shape our culture. With its talented cast, stunning production design, and a narrative that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll, A Complete Unknown is a film that will leave viewers spellbound and eager for more.
Trailer
Recent Lists

Unveiling Reality: A Curated List Of Documentary Films
Sep 5, 2025

Trending Movies Today, 05 Sep, 2025
Sep 5, 2025

Unraveling The Mysteries Of The 90s
Sep 5, 2025

Timeless Family Classics From The 1970s
Sep 4, 2025

Embark On Thrilling Quests: Adventure Movies Of The Decade
Sep 4, 2025

Trending Movies Today, 04 Sep, 2025
Sep 4, 2025

Unraveling The Mysteries Of Germany
Sep 4, 2025

Adrenaline Rush: The Best Action Movies Of The Decade
Sep 4, 2025

Harmony And Rhythm: A Collection Of Music Movies
Sep 4, 2025

Discovering The Rich Heritage Of Egyptian Cinema
Sep 4, 2025