The Real Thing (2018): cast, story & where to watch
2018 · Film · ★ 5.5
Released in 2018, The Real Thing is a documentary film directed by Benoît Felici, running about 54 minutes.
What it’s about. Las Vegas isn't the only city adorned with architectural replicas. Today, you can admire the London Bridge near Shanghai, visit St. Peter's Basilica in Côte d'Ivoire, or take selfies with one of China's Eiffel Towers. These large-scale copycat monuments can seem like mirages conceived by clever real estate investors, but what do they say about imaginary geographies, modern tourism and globalized urban planning? Do they herald a world where travellers won't cross borders, or are they proof of heightened cultural exchange and new transnational identities? A captivating and poetic meditation, The Real Thing elegantly journeys from one corner of the globe to the next—capturing a strange postcard here, an unexpected slice of life there—and collects philosophical musings from the people who design and inhabit those places. It creates an intriguing mirror game that plays with the viewer's perception and reflects an unexpected image of the world.
Who’s in it. The Real Thing stars Jean-François Staszak.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, The Real Thing has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Real Thing page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Real Thing tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Real Thing (2018)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Real Thing change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Real Thing worth watching?
- The Real Thing holds an audience score of 5.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Real Thing?
- The Real Thing stars Jean-François Staszak.
- When was The Real Thing released?
- The Real Thing was released in 2018, with a runtime of about 54 minutes.