Cast
View AllSofia Carson
as April
Wolfgang Novogratz
as Nick
Donna Lynne Champlin
as Barb
Enrico Colantoni
as Frank
Dennis Andres
as Coach Buzz
Rex Lee
as Wellington 'Welly' Wong
Brandon Kyle Goodman
as Deco
Eva Hauge
as Sarah
Lidya Jewett
as Kari
Sadie Lapidus
as Oona
Johanna Colón
as Lucia
Shaylee Mansfield
as Zuzu
Shiloh Nelson
as Ruby
Justin Caruso Allan
as Dicky
Carina Battrick
as Michelle
Crew
Director
- Elissa Down
Writer
- Shawn Ku
- Michael Armbruster
Producer
- Susan Cartsonis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Feel the Beat examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Elissa Down brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Feel the Beat took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 150 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 54 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Feel the Beat shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Chorus Line, which focuses more on action than character development, Feel the Beat offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Grease and Allegiance explore similar territory, Feel the Beat stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 19, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch

