The Machine

  • 2013
  • R
  • 92m
movieMx RATING
5.9/10847
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Machine Review

Last updated: February 19, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 19, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Machine (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Machine stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

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 / RegionCollection (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.

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Top Cast: The Machine

All Cast & Crew →
Toby Stephens
Toby StephensVincent McCarthy
John-Paul Macleod
John-Paul MacleodPaul Dawson (as John Paul Macleod)
Helen Griffin
Helen GriffinPaul Dawson's Mother
Alan Low
Alan LowAssassin
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Where to Watch The Machine Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

The Machine Parents Guide & Age Rating

2013 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Machine age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Machine is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ 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.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Machine. Rating: 5.9/10

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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How The Machine Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Machine

🛡️

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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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
The Machine
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-machine-174675" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.9</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Machine</div></div></a>

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