The Program

  • 2015
  • PG-13
  • 103m
movieMx RATING
6.4/10537
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Program Review

Last updated: February 16, 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 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Program (2015) 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 Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Program features a noteworthy lineup led by Ben Foster . Supported by the likes of Chris O'Dowd and Guillaume Canet , 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 Program (2015) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Program stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Program

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2015, The Program is a Drama film directed by Stephen Frears. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ben Foster.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. An Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong's performances during the Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances. With this conviction, he starts hunting for evidence that will expose Armstrong. The screenplay takes time to develop Ben Foster'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 the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ben Foster's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Ending Explained: The Program

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Stephen Frears, The Program concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Ben Foster, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Program reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Program?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Ben Foster or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: The Program

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $3.3M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Top Cast: The Program

All Cast & Crew →
Ben Foster
Ben FosterLance Armstrong
Chris O'Dowd
Chris O'DowdDavid Walsh
Guillaume Canet
Guillaume CanetDr. Ferrari
Jesse Plemons
Jesse PlemonsFloyd Landis
Lee Pace
Lee PaceBill Stapleton
Denis Ménochet
Denis MénochetJohan Bruyneel
Edward Hogg
Edward HoggFrankie Andreu
Dustin Hoffman
Dustin HoffmanBob Hamman
Elaine Cassidy
Elaine CassidyBetsy Andreu
Laura Donnelly
Laura DonnellyEmma O'Reilly
Peter Wight
Peter WightSunday Times Editor
Nathan Wiley
Nathan WileyCharles Pelkey
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Where to Watch The Program Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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The Program Parents Guide & Age Rating

2015 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

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

The Program is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Program is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Program is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2015 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Program. Rating: 6.4/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Program worth watching?

The Program 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 The Program parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Program identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Program?

The total duration of The Program is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.

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How The Program Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Program

🛡️

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
★ 6.4
The Program
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-program-271736" 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;">★ 6.4</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Program</div></div></a>

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