Only Lovers Left Alive
Performance & Direction: Only Lovers Left Alive Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Only Lovers Left Alive features a noteworthy lineup led by Tilda Swinton . Supported by the likes of Tom Hiddleston and Anton Yelchin , 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: Only Lovers Left Alive
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Only Lovers Left Alive is a Drama, Romance, Fantasy film directed by Jim Jarmusch. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tilda Swinton.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A depressed musician reunites with his lover. However, their romance, already played over several centuries, is disrupted by the arrival of her uncontrollable younger sister. The screenplay takes time to develop Tilda Swinton's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tilda Swinton's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
â Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
â ïž Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Only Lovers Left Alive
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jim Jarmusch, Only Lovers Left Alive resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Tilda Swinton, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Only Lovers Left Alive reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Only Lovers Left Alive?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tilda Swinton or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Only Lovers Left Alive
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Only Lovers Left Alive Budget
The estimated production budget for Only Lovers Left Alive is $7.0M. 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: Only Lovers Left Alive
All Cast & Crew â
Where to Watch Only Lovers Left Alive Online?
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Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeOnly Lovers Left Alive Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about Only Lovers Left Alive age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
â±ïž Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Only Lovers Left Alive is 123 minutes (2h 3m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Only Lovers Left Alive is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Only Lovers Left Alive worth watching?
Only Lovers Left Alive is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Only Lovers Left Alive parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Only Lovers Left Alive identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Only Lovers Left Alive?
The total duration of Only Lovers Left Alive is 123 minutes, which is approximately 2h 3m long.
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Critic Reviews for Only Lovers Left Alive
Self-preservation is everything. The last five minutes make the film.
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.
