Is A Single Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, A Single Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Single Man Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, A Single Man emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, is the story of a British college professor who dwells on the past and cannot see his future. Unlike standard genre fare, A Single Man attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Single Man features a noteworthy lineup led by Colin Firth . Supported by the likes of Julianne Moore and Nicholas Hoult , 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 Single Man (2009) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
A Single Man Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: A Single Man is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, is the story of a British college professor who dwells on the past and cannot see his future. We follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters ultimately lead him to decide if there is a meaning to life after the death of his long time partner, Jim. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, 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. The 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 themes.
A Single Man Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: A Single Man resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Single Man reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Single Man?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
A Single Man Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $25.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
A Single Man Budget
The estimated production budget for A Single Man is $7.0M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of A Single Man
- Colin Firth – George
- Julianne Moore – Charley
- Nicholas Hoult – Kenny
- Matthew Goode – Jim
- Jon Kortajarena – Carlos
Top Highlights
Colin FirthGeorge
Julianne MooreCharley
Nicholas HoultKenny
Matthew GoodeJim
Jon KortajarenaCarlos
Paulette LamoriAlva
Ryan SimpkinsJennifer Strunk
Ginnifer GoodwinMrs. Strunk
Teddy SearsMr. Strunk
Paul ButlerChristopher Strunk
Where to Watch A Single Man Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
Britbox Apple TV Channel 
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
Criterion Channel
Paramount Plus Premium🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
A Single Man is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, A Single Man stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Single Man movie hit or flop?
A Single Man is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Romance movies.
Is A Single Man worth watching?
Yes, A Single Man is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Romance cinema.
Where can I watch A Single Man online?
A Single Man is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, Britbox Apple TV Channel , Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Criterion Channel, Paramount Plus Premium depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked A Single Man
How A Single Man Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for A Single Man
Interesting and well edited story with great performances from Firth and Moore.
This is a very good Colin Firth flick. It's a nicely put together film, with a meaningful story portrayed strongly. Firth gives a big performance in the lead role, with him being the only standout performer - though the supporting trio of Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult and Matthew Goode are all solid co-stars. Jon Hamm, meanwhile, has a cameo; when I heard it, I actually thought it was Armie Hammer. My only criticism is the (intentional, of course) colour saturation, which kinda made a few of the scenes look cheap (if still minorly effective) in my opinion. That's nothing major though, as I enjoyed watching this 2009 release.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
