A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic that earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and grossed $127 million worldwide, will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 27.
Set in the early 1960s, the film follows Dylan—portrayed by Call Me by Your Name star Timothée Chalamet—as he arrives in New York City, stirring controversy in the music world by blurring the lines between folk and electric music.
Edward Norton takes on the role of Pete Seeger, Dylan’s mentor, while Monica Barbaro plays Joan Baez, the folk singer with whom Dylan falls in love.
Critic Owen Gleiberman described the film as an “entrancingly offbeat drama” and praised Chalamet’s performance, noting that he “becomes Bob Dylan”—particularly in a scene where he sings “Song to Woody” to ailing folk legend Woody Guthrie (played by Scoot McNairy).
The film explores the origins of Dylan’s most iconic songs, including:
- Masters of War
- Blowin’ in the Wind
- The Times They Are A-Changin’
- Like a Rolling Stone
Box Office and Critical Success
Rated R, A Complete Unknown became Searchlight Pictures’ sixth-highest-grossing domestic film of all time, earning $74 million in the U.S.
It also ranks as Searchlight’s 13th-highest worldwide release, surpassing the box office totals of both Birdman and Little Miss Sunshine. The production budget was estimated between $60 million and $70 million.
Oscar Recognition
Director James Mangold received his first Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards for the film. His previous works—including Logan, Ford v Ferrari, and Walk the Line—have also been recognized by the Academy.
Chalamet, Norton, and Barbaro all earned acting nominations, further solidifying the film’s critical acclaim.
