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Catch a Fire

Catch a Fire

The spark that ignites us, unites us.

2006101 minPG-13Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films
Director
Phillip Noyce
Starring
Tim Robbins, Derek Luke, Bonnie Mbuli, Mncedisi Shabangu

The true story of anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, and particularly the life of Patrick Chamusso, a timid foreman at Secunda CTL, the largest synthetic fuel plant in the world. Patrick is wrongly accused, imprisoned and tortured for an attempt to bomb the plant, with the injustice transforming the apolitical worker into a radicalised insurgent, who then carries out his own successful sabotage mission.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Catch a Fire?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Catch a Fire to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Catch a Fire?

Catch a Fire earns 6 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Catch a Fire worth watching?

Catch a Fire's Midcredits score is the 68th percentile of all films, from 13K ratings across 6 sources. 63% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

68th percentile

Better received than 68% of films

48th percentile among Biography65th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)63rd
Approval (how many liked it)70th

65 /100

63rd percentile of all films

44th percentile among Biography62nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 62 · Audience 65

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

63% liked it

70th percentile of all films

50th percentile among Biography68th percentile among 2000s
63% rated it 7–1037% rated it 1–6

Critics 75% · Audience 71%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 14 noms overall

83rd percentile

13K ratings across platforms

65th percentile among Biography76th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 17% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$14M
Opening weekend$2M
Domestic gross$4.3M
Worldwide gross$5.7M

Returned 0.4× its budget — 59th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A well-acted, serious-minded drama about apartheid that is competent but follows familiar conventions.

Fans praised

  • Balanced portrayal of both protagonist and antagonist as complex humans
  • Strong performances, especially Tim Robbins and Derek Luke with convincing accents
  • Thoughtful political thriller relevant to contemporary terrorism debates

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic and predictable storytelling with heavy-handed moralizing
  • Underdeveloped themes that leave many plot threads dangling
  • Patrick Chamusso's radicalization feels rushed and emotionally flat

What stands out

Acting82

Strong leads with convincing accents, though some miscasting noted

Cinematography72

Solid but unremarkable visuals, some striking refinery imagery

CharactersDivisive70

Complex, humanized antagonist vs. protagonist's arc feels rushed

Sound and musicDivisive68

Moving African choral music, though overused and idealized

Emotional impactDivisive62

Torture scenes powerful but overall emotional disconnect

PacingDivisive60

Rushed second half and unsatisfying time jumps

Plot and storyDivisive58

Predictable trajectory with tonal inconsistency between drama and thriller

Originality42

Familiar apartheid narrative, little new perspective

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 12 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users even

Watch experience

What is Catch a Fire like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
DreadTenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its subject with grave seriousness and emotional honesty, never undercutting its drama.
The rideThe film maintains a tense, oppressive dread, likely building toward a heavy conclusion.
StructureThe story is told in a straightforward chronological order, following Patrick from peaceful life through arrest, radicalization, and action.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's final message of forgiveness and the end of apartheid leaves a hopeful, reflective feeling.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeAn ordinary man is wrongfully arrested and tortured by the apartheid regime, which radicalizes him to become an insurgent fighting against state oppression.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the brutal oppression of apartheid South Africa and one man's violent fight for justice and freedom.
StanceThe film presents apartheid oppression as a danger and Patrick's violent response as a consequence to be cautioned against.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanRuralInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernWorldFolkSupportive music · original score · Philip Miller
Settingapartheid-era South Africa
MusicThe score likely blends orchestral elements with South African folk music to ground the story in its setting.

Content guide

Is Catch a Fire okay for kids?

PG-13

Catch a Fire is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving torture and abuse, violence and brief language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at severe (83/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK12
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • JapanR15+
  • ItalyT
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (11 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Catch a Fire have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Catch a Fire?

Cast

6 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Tim Robbins
as Col. Nic Vos
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Derek Luke
as Patrick Chamusso
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bonnie Mbuli
as Precious Chamusso
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mncedisi Shabangu
as Zuko September
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tumisho Masha
as Obadi
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Sithembiso Khumalo
as Sixpence
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Terry Pheto
as Miriam
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michele Burgers
as Anna Vos
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mpho Lovinga
as Johnny Piliso
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jay Anstey
as Katie Vos
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Catch a Fire?

Movies like Catch a Fire include Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), Zulu (2013) and Cry Freedom (1987). Of the 12 closest matches, most are political thrillers, and several are films set in South Africa.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 12 share its subject: oppression. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Catch a Fire?

774 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: police officer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.