Control
Control Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Control
| Movie | Control |
| Release Year | 2007 |
| Director | Anton Corbijn |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 121 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Control (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Control are led by Sam Riley . The supporting cast, including Samantha Morton and Alexandra Maria Lara , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Control stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Control has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Control
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2007, Control is a Drama film directed by Anton Corbijn. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sam Riley.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The story of Joy Division’s lead singer Ian Curtis, from his schoolboy days in 1973 to his suicide on the eve of the band's first American tour in 1980. The screenplay takes time to develop Sam Riley's journey, 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 protagonist, portrayed by Sam Riley, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Control
Control Ending Explained: Directed by Anton Corbijn, Control resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Sam Riley. Many viewers have praised the way the narrative builds toward its final moments.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Control reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Control?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Control
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Control Budget
The estimated production budget for Control is $5.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Control
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Control Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeControl Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about Control age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Control is 121 minutes (2h 1m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Control is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Control worth watching?
Control is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Control parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Control identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Control?
The total duration of Control is 121 minutes, which is approximately 2h 1m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Control
How Control Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Control
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
