Is Ida Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Ida is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ida Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Ida emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1960s Poland, young novitiate Anna is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a family secret dating back to the years of the German occupation. Unlike standard genre fare, Ida attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ida features a noteworthy lineup led by Agata Trzebuchowska . Supported by the likes of Agata Kulesza and Dawid Ogrodnik , 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 Ida (2013) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Ida Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ida is a Drama, History 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. In 1960s Poland, young novitiate Anna is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a family secret dating back to the years of the German occupation. 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.
Ida Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ida resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ida reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Ida Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Ida draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Ida adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Ida?
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
Ida Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ida Budget
The estimated production budget for Ida is $1.0M. 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 Ida
- Agata Trzebuchowska – Anna
- Agata Kulesza – Wanda
- Dawid Ogrodnik – Lis
- Jerzy Trela – Szymon
- Adam Szyszkowski – Feliks
Top Highlights
Agata TrzebuchowskaAnna
Agata KuleszaWanda
Dawid OgrodnikLis
Jerzy TrelaSzymon
Adam SzyszkowskiFeliks
Halina SkoczyńskaMother Superior
Joanna KuligSinger
Dorota KudukKaska
Natalia ŁągiewczykBronia
Afrodyta WeselakMarysia
Where to Watch Ida Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
Philo
OVID
Chai Flicks
Fandor Amazon Channel
Klassiki
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Ida is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Ida stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ida movie hit or flop?
Ida is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, History movies.
Is Ida worth watching?
Yes, Ida is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch Ida online?
Ida is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, OVID, Chai Flicks, Fandor Amazon Channel, Klassiki, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How Ida Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ida
A beautifully shot story about a young woman who was abandoned to the church as a baby and is now about to take holy orders. Before she fully commits, however, she decides to trace her birth family. Agata Trzebuchowska ("Anna") alights on her aunt Agata Kulesza ("Wanda") - a former pillar of the post war Polish communist legal establishment, but now a rather dissolute character prone to drinking and one night stands, to help her find the truth. Her family story has some grisly history to it, but together they travel their country in search of some answers. En route, they pick up a hitchhiker "Lis" (David Ogrodnik) who (genuinely) plays tenor sax in a band that has a gig in their hotel with with whom she bonds - after a fashion - until their search is concluded and yet more tragedy strikes our novice nun. This film is wonderfully enigmatic - it is quite difficult to date; the script is taut but sparing; the monochrome effects render it an atmosphere all of it's own and despite the inevitability of the whole thing, there is still a degree of optimism and sincerity seeping through the prevailing timbre of sadness.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
