Is Anon Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Anon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Anon Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Anon emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Set in a near-future world where there is no privacy, ignorance or anonymity, our private memories are recorded and crime almost ceases to exist. Unlike standard genre fare, Anon attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Anon features a noteworthy lineup led by Clive Owen . Supported by the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Colm Feore , 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 Anon (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Anon Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Anon is a Science Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Thriller film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. 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. Set in a near-future world where there is no privacy, ignorance or anonymity, our private memories are recorded and crime almost ceases to exist. In trying to solve a series of unsolved murders, Sal Frieland stumbles onto a young woman who appears to have subverted the system and disappeared. She has no identity, no history and no record. Sal realizes it may not be the end of crime but the beginning. Known only as 'The Girl', Sal must find her before he becomes the next victim. 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.
Anon Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Anon concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Anon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Anon Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Anon incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a science fiction, crime, mystery, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Anon adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Anon?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Anon Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Anon Budget
The estimated production budget for Anon is $20.0M. 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 Anon
- Clive Owen – Sal Frieland
- Amanda Seyfried – The Girl
- Colm Feore – Charles Gattis
- Mark O'Brien – Cyrus Frear
- Sonya Walger – Kristen
Top Highlights
Clive OwenSal Frieland
Amanda SeyfriedThe Girl
Colm FeoreCharles Gattis
Mark O'BrienCyrus Frear
Sonya WalgerKristen
Joe PingueLester Goodman
Iddo GoldbergJoseph Kenik
Afiya BennettIma Aug
Morgan AllenIri Aug
Jeffrey MenChen Sheng Lu
Where to Watch Anon Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix
Netflix Standard with AdsParents Guide & Age Rating
Anon is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Anon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anon movie hit or flop?
Anon has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Anon worth watching?
Anon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Crime, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Anon online?
Anon is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Anon
How Anon Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Anon
Well, i like sci-fi. This was boring. A big snoozer. a 4 out of 10.
Anon is a noirish sci-fi thriller set in the near future where the human mind records everything through its eyes. It is a society with no privacy but what if the memories can be manipulated? Sal Frieland (Clive Owen) is a detective who solves crimes by reviewing people's memories that exist in some kind of matrix where the memories are placed and can be accessed. When an anonymous hacker is suspected of killing some people, Sal figures it is a mysterious woman (Amanda Seyfried) who does not exist in their records as she is off the grid and who can alter the memory files. Director Andrew Niccol pursues his interest in a futuristic society as he did in Gattaca. The film slows down when Sal and the mysterious woman hook up. Yet Sal finds himself in danger and also finds his own memories are hacked. However there is an air of predictability in the mystery aspects of the film.
Classy, interesting movie that is ridiculously underrated.
The set-up is intriguing and the conflict is incredibly well done, but the pay-off is **such** a let-down. Has some original ideas that are mostly explored early on in the second half of _Anon_ despite its similarity to a couple of _Black Mirror_ episodes (chiefly _The Entire History of You_). Not something I'll re-visit, but better than I had expected. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
