The Machine
Performance & Direction: The Machine Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Machine (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. 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 Machine features a noteworthy lineup led by Caity Lotz . Supported by the likes of Toby Stephens and Denis Lawson , 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 Machine
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, The Machine is a Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by Caradog W. James. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Caity Lotz.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Already deep into a second Cold War, Britain’s Ministry of Defense seeks a game-changing weapon. Programmer Vincent McCarthy unwittingly provides an answer in The Machine, a super-strong human cyborg. When a programming bug causes the prototype to decimate his lab, McCarthy takes his obsessive efforts underground, far away from inquisitive eyes. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Machine
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Caradog W. James, The Machine attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Caity Lotz, 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Machine reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Machine?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Machine
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $314.1K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Machine Budget
The estimated production budget for The Machine is $1.5M. 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: The Machine
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Where to Watch The Machine Online?
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Fandango At HomeThe Machine Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about The Machine age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Machine is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Machine is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Machine worth watching?
The Machine is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Machine parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Machine identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Machine?
The total duration of The Machine is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Machine
**Creating an artificial intelligence, but its intelligence beyond expected's the issue.** Maybe the films about artificial intelligence that were made in the last 5 years might outnumber to those were made before that for centuries. Especially there are lots of B movies on this theme and some of them surpassed the film critics and the film fanatics' expectations. Here is another one, but this is a British film. Though one thing I don't understand is, in all these films they make the same mistakes. I mean the film characters recognising the AI as one of us which leads to a major disaster. Sets in the future, when the Chinese aggression towards the Taiwan made the west, especially Britain to counteract them in the region, they decide to build a most advanced AI. But when the scientist creates beyond what the military needed, the conflict of interest surface among them. From this, who gains what, and how the story ends comes in the latter part. Initially I liked it, but not the progression. It led nowhere, but the same crumble and a conflict between the man and the machine. I'm not saying the film was bad, but I blame the overcrowded films on this theme. The filmmakers have to start to think a different kind of storyline. Going advance like what AIs can do in the field than the initiation programmes which is too old for now and onwards. So that's where I disliked it, but not hated it. I hope you enjoyed it better than me or would do if you yet to try. _5/10_
A disaster ... the effects are good, but the plot is very **forced** and closed ... very trite the subject of AI that becomes human ... there are other titles even recent that far exceed it, starting with "Yo Robot" (_to which does not even reach the heels_)!
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.












