The Motive Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Motive
| Movie | The Motive |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Manuel Martín Cuenca |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | ES |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Motive (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The Motive are led by Javier Gutiérrez . The supporting cast, including María León and Adelfa Calvo , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Motive 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, The Motive 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: The Motive
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The Motive is a Drama film directed by Manuel Martín Cuenca, written by Alejandro Hernández. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Javier Gutiérrez as Álvaro.
Ending Explained: The Motive
The Motive Ending Explained: Álvaro, a man obsessed with the idea of writing what he brands as “high literature,” manipulates the lives and feelings of the people around him to write about the consequences caused by his devious acts. Directed by Manuel Martín Cuenca, this 2017 drama film stars Javier Gutiérrez (Álvaro), alongside María León as Amanda, Adelfa Calvo as Building Manager, Adriana Paz as Irene. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Motive?
Álvaro, a man obsessed with the idea of writing what he brands as “high literature,” manipulates the lives and feelings of the people around him to write about the consequences caused by his devious acts.
How Does Javier Gutiérrez (Álvaro)'s Story End?
- Javier Gutiérrez: Javier Gutiérrez's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- María León (Amanda): María León's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Adelfa Calvo (Building Manager): Adelfa Calvo's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Motive Mean?
The Motive's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Javier Gutiérrez may feel rushed. Manuel Martín Cuenca's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Motive Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Motive Based on a True Story?
No, The Motive is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Manuel Martín Cuenca and starring Javier Gutiérrez may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Motive?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Javier Gutiérrez or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Motive
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Motive Budget
The estimated production budget for The Motive is $2.7M. 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 The Motive Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixThe Motive Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about The Motive age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Motive (2017) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Manuel Martín Cuenca, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Motive is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Motive worth watching?
The Motive is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Motive parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Motive identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Motive (2017)?
The runtime of The Motive (2017) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
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.
