Is Blake's Seven Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Blake's Seven is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 386 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Blake's Seven Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Blake's Seven emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, this is the definitive set of interviews with six of the team of actors who brought Blake’s 7 to life … plus a bonus interview with SFX creator Mat Irvine! These seven documentaries are the best in-depth interviews with Gareth Thomas (Blake), Jan Chappell (Cally), Michael Keating (Vila), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Stephen Greif (Travis), Peter Tuddenham (Zen, Orac & Slave) and Mat Irvine (SFX) ever undertaken. Unlike standard genre fare, Blake's Seven attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Keith Barnfather, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Blake's Seven features a noteworthy lineup led by Nicholas Briggs. Supported by the likes of Gareth Thomas and Jan Chappell, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Nicholas Briggs, Gareth Thomas, Jan Chappell manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2018 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Blake's Seven is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Blake's Seven follows a sophisticated deliberate pace. Over its 386 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. While some may find the extended runtime testing, the investment pays off for audiences who appreciate a narrative that isn`t afraid to breathe and explore its more nuanced corners.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Blake's Seven resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Blake's Seven is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, this is the definitive set of interviews with six of the team of actors who brought Blake’s 7 to life … plus a bonus interview with SFX creator Mat Irvine! These seven documentaries are the best in-depth interviews with Gareth Thomas (Blake), Jan Chappell (Cally), Michael Keating (Vila), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Stephen Greif (Travis), Peter Tuddenham (Zen, Orac & Slave) and Mat Irvine (SFX) ever undertaken. Presented by “voice of the Daleks” Nicholas Briggs.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Blake's Seven (2018) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Nicholas Briggs, Gareth Thomas, Jan Chappell or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Blake's Seven is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2018. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Blake's Seven has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Blake's Seven stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blake's Seven movie hit or flop?
Blake's Seven is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Blake's Seven worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Blake's Seven may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Blake's Seven online?
Blake's Seven may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, this is the definitive set of interviews with six of the team of actors who brought Blake’s 7 to life … plus a bonus interview with SFX creator Mat Irvine! These seven documentaries are the best in-depth interviews with Gareth Thomas (Blake), Jan Chappell (Cally), Michael Keating (Vila), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Stephen Greif (Travis), Peter Tuddenham (Zen, Orac & Slave) and Mat Irvine (SFX) ever undertaken. Presented by “voice of the Daleks” Nicholas Briggs.