Performance & Direction: A Scanner Darkly Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Scanner Darkly features a noteworthy lineup led by Keanu Reeves . Supported by the likes of Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson , 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 A Scanner Darkly (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: A Scanner Darkly
Quick Plot Summary: A Scanner Darkly is a Animation, Science Fiction, Thriller film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film 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 film 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. The 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
Ending Breakdown: A Scanner Darkly concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to animation resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Scanner Darkly reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Scanner Darkly?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or 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
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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.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, A Scanner Darkly stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
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.
