Is Archive Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Archive is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Archive Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2020, Archive emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI, and his latest prototype is almost ready. Unlike standard genre fare, Archive 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 Archive features a noteworthy lineup led by Theo James . Supported by the likes of Stacy Martin and Rhona Mitra , 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 Archive (2020) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Archive Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Archive is a Science Fiction, Drama, Fantasy, 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. 2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI, and his latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs—being reunited with his dead wife. 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.
Archive Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Archive 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 Archive reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Archive?
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
Archive Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $243.3K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Archive
- Theo James – George Almore
- Stacy Martin – Jules Almore / J3 / J2 (voice)
- Rhona Mitra – Simone
- Peter Ferdinando – Tagg
- Lia Williams – House (voice)
Top Highlights
Theo JamesGeorge Almore
Stacy MartinJules Almore / J3 / J2 (voice)
Rhona MitraSimone
Peter FerdinandoTagg
Lia WilliamsHouse (voice)
Toby JonesVincent Sinclair
Richard GloverMelvin
Hans PetersonElson
Hadisha SovetovaWaitress
Imre CsókAndroid
Where to Watch Archive Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstar
VI movies and tv🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Archive 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, Archive stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2020 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Archive movie hit or flop?
Archive has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Archive worth watching?
Archive is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Drama, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Archive online?
Archive is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar, VI movies and tv depending on your region.
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How Archive Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Archive
Initially I thought it was a movie about A.I. since it's a catchy word in tech these days. The movie moves in a slow pace and sometimes I felt a little bored, but the ending was nice. Soundtrack was great. The robots could use a little more CGI since you could clearly see it was a person behind them. I would rate the movie 7/10. It was entertaining.
Wow! It’s rare for a film to render me completely speechless, but this one did just that. “Archive” is a visually stunning and emotionally moving film. The set design is immersive and transports the viewer into the world of the story. Theo James delivers his best performance yet. The film does an excellent job of telling its story through visuals rather than relying on heavy dialogue, which adds to its impact. The little interactions with the robots were exceptional; I’ve never seen anything close to it on the main screen. The robot’s ability to convey such depth of emotion despite its lack of human facial characteristics is remarkable. Very few films do it so convincingly, so props to the director and the VFX crew. My major criticism is the film’s runtime. At times, the story feels drawn out, and a tighter, shorter runtime would have improved the overall pacing. Unfortunately, most people have missed the deeper layers in this film, as at least the ratings portray. Nevertheless, “Archive” is a must-see for fans of science fiction. ___ Rating: 7.0/10 (Good)
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
