Life
Life Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Movie Overview: Life
| Movie | Life |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Daniel Espinosa |
| Genre | Horror / Science Fiction / Mystery |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Life (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Life are led by Jake Gyllenhaal . The supporting cast, including Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Ferguson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Life stands out as a strong entry in the Horror genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Horror narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Life has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Life
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Life is a Horror, Science Fiction, Mystery film directed by Daniel Espinosa, written by Rhett Reese. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jake Gyllenhaal as Dr. David Jordan.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. The six-member crew of the International Space Station is tasked with studying a sample from Mars that may be the first proof of extra-terrestrial life, which proves more intelligent than ever expected. Director Daniel Espinosa 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 of Life, hinting at the terror to come. Daniel Espinosa establishes the rules of this world before introducing Jake Gyllenhaal as Dr. David Jordan to its dangers.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Jake Gyllenhaal's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing Jake Gyllenhaal to confront the source of horror directly. Daniel Espinosa's resolution provides adequate resolution.
Thematic Depth
Beneath the scares lies commentary on deeper fears like loss of control, the unknown, or societal anxieties manifested as literal monsters.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Life
Life Ending Explained: Directed by Daniel Espinosa, Life wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Jake Gyllenhaal. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Life reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Life?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Life
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $58.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $100.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Life Budget
The estimated production budget for Life is $58.0M. 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.
Where to Watch Life Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeLife Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about Life age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Life (2017) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Daniel Espinosa, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Life is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life worth watching?
Life is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Life parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Life identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Life (2017)?
The runtime of Life (2017) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
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.
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