Anon
Performance & Direction: Anon Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Anon (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Anon features a noteworthy lineup led by Clive Owen . Supported by the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Colm Feore , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Anon
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Anon is a Science Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Andrew Niccol. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Clive Owen.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Set in a near-future world where there is no privacy, ignorance or anonymity, our private memories are recorded and crime almost ceases to exist. In trying to solve a series of unsolved murders, Sal Frieland stumbles onto a young woman who appears to have subverted the system and disappeared. She has no identity, no history and no record. Sal realizes it may not be the end of crime but the beginning. Known only as 'The Girl', Sal must find her before he becomes the next victim. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Clive Owen's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Anon
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Andrew Niccol, Anon concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Clive Owen, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Anon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Anon Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Anon incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a science fiction, crime, mystery, thriller film directed by Andrew Niccol, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Clive Owen's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Anon adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Anon?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Clive Owen or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Anon
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Anon Budget
The estimated production budget for Anon is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Anon
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Anon Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix
Netflix Standard with AdsAnon Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Anon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Anon is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Anon is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anon worth watching?
Anon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Anon parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Anon identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Anon?
The total duration of Anon is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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Critic Reviews for Anon
Well, i like sci-fi. This was boring. A big snoozer. a 4 out of 10.
Anon is a noirish sci-fi thriller set in the near future where the human mind records everything through its eyes. It is a society with no privacy but what if the memories can be manipulated? Sal Frieland (Clive Owen) is a detective who solves crimes by reviewing people's memories that exist in some kind of matrix where the memories are placed and can be accessed. When an anonymous hacker is suspected of killing some people, Sal figures it is a mysterious woman (Amanda Seyfried) who does not exist in their records as she is off the grid and who can alter the memory files. Director Andrew Niccol pursues his interest in a futuristic society as he did in Gattaca. The film slows down when Sal and the mysterious woman hook up. Yet Sal finds himself in danger and also finds his own memories are hacked. However there is an air of predictability in the mystery aspects of the film.
Classy, interesting movie that is ridiculously underrated.
The set-up is intriguing and the conflict is incredibly well done, but the pay-off is **such** a let-down. Has some original ideas that are mostly explored early on in the second half of _Anon_ despite its similarity to a couple of _Black Mirror_ episodes (chiefly _The Entire History of You_). Not something I'll re-visit, but better than I had expected. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
