Archive
Performance & Direction: Archive Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Archive (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 Archive features a noteworthy lineup led by Theo James . Supported by the likes of Stacy Martin and Rhona Mitra , 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: Archive
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, Archive is a Science Fiction, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller film directed by Gavin Rothery. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Theo James.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI, and his latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs—being reunited with his dead wife. 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. Theo James'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: Archive
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gavin Rothery, Archive 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 Theo James, 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 Archive reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Archive?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Theo James or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Archive
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $243.3K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: Archive
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Where to Watch Archive Online?
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Amazon VideoArchive Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about Archive age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Archive is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Archive is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Archive worth watching?
Archive is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Archive parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Archive identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Archive?
The total duration of Archive is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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How Archive Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Archive
Initially I thought it was a movie about A.I. since it's a catchy word in tech these days. The movie moves in a slow pace and sometimes I felt a little bored, but the ending was nice. Soundtrack was great. The robots could use a little more CGI since you could clearly see it was a person behind them. I would rate the movie 7/10. It was entertaining.
Wow! It’s rare for a film to render me completely speechless, but this one did just that. “Archive” is a visually stunning and emotionally moving film. The set design is immersive and transports the viewer into the world of the story. Theo James delivers his best performance yet. The film does an excellent job of telling its story through visuals rather than relying on heavy dialogue, which adds to its impact. The little interactions with the robots were exceptional; I’ve never seen anything close to it on the main screen. The robot’s ability to convey such depth of emotion despite its lack of human facial characteristics is remarkable. Very few films do it so convincingly, so props to the director and the VFX crew. My major criticism is the film’s runtime. At times, the story feels drawn out, and a tighter, shorter runtime would have improved the overall pacing. Unfortunately, most people have missed the deeper layers in this film, as at least the ratings portray. Nevertheless, “Archive” is a must-see for fans of science fiction. ___ Rating: 7.0/10 (Good)
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.









