A Scanner Darkly
A Scanner Darkly Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 13, 2026
Movie Overview: A Scanner Darkly
| Movie | A Scanner Darkly |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| Director | Richard Linklater |
| Genre | Animation / Science Fiction / Thriller |
| Runtime | 100 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Scanner Darkly (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in A Scanner Darkly are led by Keanu Reeves . The supporting cast, including Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
A Scanner Darkly stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Animation narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, A Scanner Darkly 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 Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: A Scanner Darkly
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, A Scanner Darkly is a Animation, Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by Richard Linklater. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Keanu Reeves.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result. 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: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Keanu Reeves's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: A Scanner Darkly
A Scanner Darkly Ending Explained: Directed by Richard Linklater, A Scanner Darkly wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core animation themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Keanu Reeves. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the animation themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of A Scanner Darkly reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch A Scanner Darkly?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Keanu Reeves or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: A Scanner Darkly
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $8.7M |
| Worldwide Gross | $7.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
A Scanner Darkly Budget
The estimated production budget for A Scanner Darkly is $8.7M. 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.
Top Cast: A Scanner Darkly
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch A Scanner Darkly Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoA Scanner Darkly Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about A Scanner Darkly age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Scanner Darkly is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, A Scanner Darkly is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Scanner Darkly worth watching?
A Scanner Darkly is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Scanner Darkly parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Scanner Darkly identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of A Scanner Darkly?
The total duration of A Scanner Darkly is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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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.
