Censor
Performance & Direction: Censor Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Censor (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Censor features a noteworthy lineup led by Niamh Algar . Supported by the likes of Michael Smiley and Nicholas Burns , 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: Censor
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2021, Censor is a Horror, Mystery film directed by Prano Bailey-Bond. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Niamh Algar.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A screener at the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), who has earned an unsavory reputation for being the strictest censor of violent films, begins to spiral out of control after viewing a low-budget horror with similarities to the disappearance of her sister. Director Prano Bailey-Bond uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Censor
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Prano Bailey-Bond, Censor attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Niamh Algar, 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Censor reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Censor?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Censor
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $314.8K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: Censor
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Where to Watch Censor Online?
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Amazon Prime Video with AdsCensor Parents Guide & Age Rating
2021 AdvisoryWondering about Censor age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Censor is 84 minutes (1h 24m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Censor is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Censor worth watching?
Censor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Censor parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Censor identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Censor?
The total duration of Censor is 84 minutes, which is approximately 1h 24m long.
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Critic Reviews for Censor
This is another one of those movies where you don't get your time back. There is nothing clever about the plot. It just twaddles on aimlessly, leading up to very cheesy murder scenes that look like the product of a high school student's drama submission and sweet FA payoff in the end. Why this got the support of The National Lottery through The Arts Council of Wales is beyond me. It's simply a colossal waste of everyone's money. Then again, if that is your sort of thing, then more power to you. Each to their own and all that. :)
Very, very good! 'Censor' features a great premise and it turns out to be one that is executed excellently. The feel of the film throughout is near perfection, with the tone all right and the 1980s aesthetic seemingly on point. It's paced ideally, with zero moments of drag. Niamh Algar puts in a super performance as lead. I recently watched her also impress in television's 'Deceit' - which was broadcast within a week or so of this production's cinema release, there are actually some (minor) similarities between the two; a set of dark roles for Algar, that's for sure! She's the clear standout, though props to the support cast too. Looking at a few other reviews, it seems to come down to how effective the ending is to you. For me? I think it's a great conclusion.
**A movie completely removed from reality - which is the point** A confusing, convoluted and completely absurd and unrealistic movie. Since this is of course all intentional, I am not entirely sure if that makes the movie better or worse. It's one of those movies that's really hard to rate and almost impossible to compare to any other movie, though it does feel very reminiscent of David Lynch movies. But for those who just feel confused after watching it, let me explain it real fast. Basically the movie is comparing deranged, schizophrenic psychopaths to, well, movies censors :-) Because the schizophrenic psycho killer loses his ability to tell what is real and what's not. Similarly, people engaged in censorship also loose their ability to distinguish reality from fantasy, or at least that's what the movie argues. Because censorship is almost always being justified by saying that without it, whatever is depicted in movies, would become a reality. Of course "normal" people can distinguish between reality and fiction, but schizophrenics can not, so censorship is necessarily to keep the schizophrenics from imitating fiction. But of course by arguing that fiction would become reality, the censors expose themselves as people who seem to have difficulty keeping reality and fiction separate. So then if it was really true that violent movies would make such people violent, then by their own logic, you would have to conclude that such censors themselves would become the most violent monsters ever, as they of course watch the most amount of horribly violent horror movies. But even so, we have never heard of any censor going on a killing spree, except of course in this very movie itself, which would of course itself be categorized as a "video nasty". And that's the point.
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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.










