Is Ascendant Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ascendant is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ascendant Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, Ascendant emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young environmentalist wakes, trapped, kidnapped in the elevator of a super high rise building at the mercy of her tormentors. Unlike standard genre fare, Ascendant attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ascendant features a noteworthy lineup led by Charlotte Best . Supported by the likes of Jonny Pasvolsky and Alex Menglet , 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 Ascendant (2021) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ascendant Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ascendant is a Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ascendant Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ascendant attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ascendant reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ascendant?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Ascendant Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $319.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ascendant Budget
The estimated production budget for Ascendant 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ascendant
- Charlotte Best – Aria Wolf
- Jonny Pasvolsky – Richard Wolf
- Alex Menglet – Yaroslav
- Justin Cotta – Anton
- John Harding – Nikolay
Top Highlights
Charlotte BestAria Wolf
Jonny PasvolskyRichard Wolf
Alex MengletYaroslav
Justin CottaAnton
John HardingNikolay
George BurgessSergey
Susan PriorBarbara Wolf
Karelina ClarkeYoung Zara
Tahlia SturzakerYoung Aria
Lily StewartZara Wolf
Where to Watch Ascendant Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Ascendant has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.6/10, and global collection metrics, Ascendant stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascendant movie hit or flop?
Ascendant is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.6/10 and lower collections.
Is Ascendant worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.6/10, Ascendant may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Ascendant online?
Ascendant 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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Critic Reviews for Ascendant
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
