Syriana
Syriana Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Syriana
| Movie | Syriana |
| Release Year | 2005 |
| Director | Stephen Gaghan |
| Genre | Drama / Thriller |
| Runtime | 128 minutes (2h 8m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Syriana (2005) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Syriana are led by George Clooney . The supporting cast, including Matt Damon and Jeffrey Wright , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Syriana does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Syriana 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 Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Syriana
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2005, Syriana is a Drama, Thriller film directed by Stephen Gaghan, written by Stephen Gaghan. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving George Clooney as Bob Barnes.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The Middle Eastern oil industry is the backdrop of this tense drama, which weaves together numerous story lines. Bennett Holiday is an American lawyer in charge of facilitating a dubious merger of oil companies, while Bryan Woodman, a Switzerland-based energy analyst, experiences both personal tragedy and opportunity during a visit with Arabian royalty. Meanwhile, veteran CIA agent Bob Barnes uncovers an assassination plot with unsettling origins. The screenplay takes time to develop George Clooney'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 George Clooney as Bob Barnes in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Stephen Gaghan builds this foundation carefully, and across its 2h 8m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. George Clooney's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings George Clooney's arc to its natural conclusion. Stephen Gaghan's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Syriana
Syriana Ending Explained: Directed by Stephen Gaghan, Syriana wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving George Clooney. 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 drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Syriana reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Syriana?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of George Clooney or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Syriana
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $94.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Syriana Budget
The estimated production budget for Syriana is $50.0M. 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 Syriana Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoSyriana Parents Guide & Age Rating
2005 AdvisoryWondering about Syriana age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Syriana (2005) is 128 minutes (2h 8m). Directed by Stephen Gaghan, the film runs for 128 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Syriana is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2005 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Syriana worth watching?
Syriana is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Syriana parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Syriana identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Syriana (2005)?
The runtime of Syriana (2005) is 128 minutes (approximately 2h 8m).
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.
