Performance & Direction: The Candidate Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Candidate (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Candidate features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Picardo . Supported by the likes of Tom Gulager and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex , 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: The Candidate
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2011, The Candidate is a Science Fiction, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Mystery film directed by David Karlak. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert Picardo.
Ending Explained: The Candidate
Ending Breakdown: Directed by David Karlak, The Candidate resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Robert Picardo, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
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 science fiction themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Candidate demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Candidate?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Science Fiction cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate thought-provoking concepts and imaginative world-building
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: The Candidate
All Cast & Crew →
The Candidate Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about The Candidate age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Candidate is 19 minutes (19m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Candidate is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Candidate worth watching?
The Candidate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Candidate parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Candidate identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Candidate?
The total duration of The Candidate is 19 minutes, which is approximately 0h 19m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Candidate
How The Candidate Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Candidate
No reviews found for this filter.
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.
