Is Arbitrage Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Arbitrage is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Arbitrage Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Arbitrage emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A troubled hedge fund magnate, desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire, makes an error that forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help. Unlike standard genre fare, Arbitrage attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Arbitrage features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Gere . Supported by the likes of Susan Sarandon and Tim Roth , 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 Arbitrage (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Arbitrage Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Arbitrage is a Drama, Thriller 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. A troubled hedge fund magnate, desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire, makes an error that forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help. 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.
Arbitrage Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Arbitrage concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Arbitrage reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Arbitrage?
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
Arbitrage Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $35.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Arbitrage Budget
The estimated production budget for Arbitrage is $12.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Arbitrage
- Richard Gere – Robert Miller
- Susan Sarandon – Ellen Miller
- Tim Roth – Det. Michael Bryer
- Brit Marling – Brooke Miller
- Laetitia Casta – Julie Cote
Top Highlights
Richard GereRobert Miller
Susan SarandonEllen Miller
Tim RothDet. Michael Bryer
Brit MarlingBrooke Miller
Laetitia CastaJulie Cote
Nate ParkerJimmy Grant
Stuart MargolinSyd Felder
Chris EigemanGavin Briar
Graydon CarterJames Mayfield
Bruce AltmanChris Vogler
Where to Watch Arbitrage Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
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Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Arbitrage 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 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Arbitrage stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbitrage movie hit or flop?
Arbitrage has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Arbitrage worth watching?
Arbitrage is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Arbitrage online?
Arbitrage is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How Arbitrage Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Arbitrage
The problems of a rich man to keep his position with his affairs and frauds. Nothing really special
There were an whole slew of these corrupt "Wall Street" derivatives and despite an half decent cast, this is really a pretty unremarkable example. It all centres on an overly convoluted plot that tries to follow a sort of borrowing/laundering/ponzi scheme taking cash from Peter to repay Paul before Fred finds out that his money never really existed in the first place. All whilst their broker - in this case "Miller" (Richard Gere) is gadding around the world in private jets, staying at the best hotels and spending money that, well, isn't! Susan Sarandon features sparingly as his wife and Tim Roth makes a bit of an effort as the cop who starts to get wise to his antics, but for the most part this is a really dry and unsophisticated vehicle for a star well off his form with little by way of humour or, indeed, innovative or even interesting dialogue. I rather appreciated the end - it has the virtue of being rather unexpected, but otherwise this is all immediately forgettable stuff.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
