Is Ithaca Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ithaca is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ithaca Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, Ithaca emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In a small town in California's San Joaquin Valley, 14-year-old Homer Macauley is determined to be the best and fastest bicycle telegraph messenger anyone has ever seen. Unlike standard genre fare, Ithaca 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 Ithaca features a noteworthy lineup led by Sam Shepard . Supported by the likes of Hamish Linklater and Alex Neustaedter , 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 Ithaca (2015) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ithaca Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ithaca is a Drama 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.
Ithaca Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ithaca attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents 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 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 Ithaca reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Ithaca Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Ithaca uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Ithaca adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Ithaca?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Ithaca Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ithaca Budget
The estimated production budget for Ithaca 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ithaca
- Sam Shepard – Willie Grogan
- Hamish Linklater – Tom Spangler
- Alex Neustaedter – Homer
- Meg Ryan – Mrs. Macauley
- Jack Quaid – Marcus Macauley
Top Highlights
Sam ShepardWillie Grogan
Hamish LinklaterTom Spangler
Alex NeustaedterHomer
Meg RyanMrs. Macauley
Jack QuaidMarcus Macauley
Tom HanksMr. Macauley
Nick WilliamsTexas
Christine NelsonBess Macauley
Lucia ScaranoRosa Sandoval
Zachary WebberHorse
Where to Watch Ithaca Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsParents Guide & Age Rating
Ithaca is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Ithaca stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ithaca movie hit or flop?
Ithaca has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ithaca worth watching?
Ithaca is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ithaca online?
Ithaca 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 Ithaca Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ithaca
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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.
