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The Public

Play trailer 2:31 Poster for The Public PG-13 2019 1h 59m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
65% Tomatometer 96 Reviews 39% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

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The Public

The Public

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Its intentions are sometimes easier to appreciate than its execution, but The Public remains an earnest and reasonably engaging social advocacy drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Peter Rainer FilmWeek (LAist) 09/15/2020
It's heart is in the right place in many ways, but it just outlines everything so clearly in red marker that it doesn't let you discovers things for yourself. Still, it's an estimable effort in some ways. Go to Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) 02/24/2020
2/5
That everything ends on a weird happy-clappy high is indicative of a scattershot project that could have done with less ambition, more focus. Go to Full Review Linda Marric The Jewish Chronicle 02/21/2020
2/5
The Public presents a heartening story of triumph of good over evil, but sadly lacks the gravitas one would usually expect from these types of stories. Go to Full Review JD Duran InSession Film 08/19/2024
A
It's filled with strong, relevant messages while still being fun and watchable. Go to Full Review M.N. Miller Ready Steady Cut 08/18/2022
2.5/5
When you combine The Public’s penchant for cheap sentiment and its social advocacy message, you get the equivalent of cinematic social conscience fluffernutter that is spread too thin. Go to Full Review Greg Wetherall NME (New Musical Express) 06/14/2021
3/5
Emilio Estevez tackles blinkered bureaucrats in this high-minded social advocacy drama. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Laura S @lorakeet Dec 1 This is one of the few films I went to see by myself. Because I saw an interview with Estevez on Chicago Tonight, where he talked about his research for the film. I wasn't disappointed -- I loved it and have recommended to many. See more Stephen C @bob25009 05/27/2025 What were you all thinking?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Deepest Bluest Suede Darius Dick Stinger Apini Emanuel Grouch Nukem III AKA The Rumble AKA Jennyanyany McPoopface Bridgerton AKA The Count of Monte Fisto @RT91120088 04/05/2025 An unhoused gentleman? What are you talking about zere iz no such thing. See more Brave S @RT31866717 05/22/2024 Emilio Estevez? More like Emilio Should Stop Directing. See more Andy B @RT57201143 08/05/2023 Love this movie so much on so many levels... a truly 'feel good' i have watched more than once. See more deke p @RT96675217 04/06/2022 "MESSage" movie guilt trips reluctance to open public buildings, libraries, to 'house the homeless". The final scenes is emblematic of the side that thinks that makes sense and would be good for anyone. Saw it in theater when it came out. It's on the TV set again Tues 4.5.22 on ch34.3. The 'BOUNCE Channel' See more Read all reviews
The Public

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Cast & Crew

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Emilio Estevez

Director

Alec Baldwin

Detective Bill Ramstead

Emilio Estevez

Stuart Goodson

Jena Malone

Myra

Taylor Schilling

Angela

Christian Slater

Josh Davis

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The Public

The Public: Trailer 1 The Public: Trailer 1 2:31 View more videos
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The Public

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Movie Info

Synopsis An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.
Director
Emilio Estevez
Producer
Lisa Niedenthal, Alex Lebovici, Steve Ponce, Emilio Estevez
Screenwriter
Emilio Estevez
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co
E2 Films, Cedarvale Pictures, Hammerstone Studios
Rating
PG-13 (Nudity|Language|Some Suggestive Content|Thematic Material)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 5, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 2, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$571.2K
Runtime
1h 59m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)