Overview
A gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in American democracy, where every vote counts and every decision is scrutinized.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- tense
- serious
- witty
- political film night
- history viewing
What critics said
Critics generally found the film compelling and well acted in bringing the controversial 2000 election to dramatic life, while some questioned its conclusions and perceived partisan tilt.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film stages the 36-day Florida recount through reconstructed meetings, legal arguments, media events, and partisan strategy.
Democratic and Republican teams contest voting procedures, court rulings, and the authority of Florida election officials.
The film intercuts Ron Klain and Michael Whouley's Democratic efforts with James Baker III's Republican strategy and the actions of Katherine Harris.
Courthouses, campaign offices, recount rooms, and official proceedings supply the film's primary arenas of conflict.
Films like Recount, and why
All the President's Men
shared political procedural drama, institutional conflict, and investigative reconstruction of contested government decisions
The Post
shared real-events political drama, partisan maneuvering, and focus on the mechanics of American government
The Ides of March
shared dramatization of political crisis, ethical conflict, and ensemble-driven institutional pressure
Frost/Nixon
shared historical political procedural, competing strategies, and tense behind-the-scenes decision-making
Movie Details
- Director
- Jay Roach
- Release Date
- 2008-05-25
- Runtime
- 116 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (189)
Cast
- Kevin Spacey
- Bob Balaban
- Ed Begley Jr.
- Laura Dern
- John Hurt
- Denis Leary
- Bruce McGill
- Tom Wilkinson
- Jayne Atkinson
- Bruce Altman
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Recount about?
- A tense ensemble reconstruction of the Florida recount that turns a disputed presidential election into a battle over law, procedure, and democratic legitimacy.
- What is Recount like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Recount as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Recount violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Recount.
- What did critics think of Recount?
- Critics generally found the film compelling and well acted in bringing the controversial 2000 election to dramatic life, while some questioned its conclusions and perceived partisan tilt.
- Which films are like Recount?
- Films with a similar feel include All the President's Men, The Post, The Ides of March, and Frost/Nixon.
- How long is Recount?
- Recount runs 116 minutes.
- Where can I watch Recount?
- In United States, Recount streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
