Is Mara Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Mara is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Mara Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Mara emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Criminal psychologist Kate Fuller is assigned to the murder of a man who has seemingly been strangled in his sleep by his wife and the only witness is their eight-year-old daughter, Sophie. Unlike standard genre fare, Mara attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Mara features a noteworthy lineup led by Olga Kurylenko . Supported by the likes of Javier Botet and Mitch Eakins , 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 Mara (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Mara Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Mara is a Crime, Horror, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Mara Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Mara attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Mara reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Mara Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Mara incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, horror, thriller 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: Mara adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Mara?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Mara Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $661.8K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Mara Budget
The estimated production budget for Mara 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 Mara
- Olga Kurylenko – Kate
- Javier Botet – Mara
- Mitch Eakins – Martin Ellis
- Lance E. Nichols – McCarthy
- Rosie Fellner – Helena
Top Highlights
Olga KurylenkoKate
Javier BotetMara
Mitch EakinsMartin Ellis
Lance E. NicholsMcCarthy
Rosie FellnerHelena
Mackenzie ImsandSophie
Dandy BarrettDr. Botet
Craig ConwayDougie
Melissa BolonaCarly
Kathy McGrawAlicia
Where to Watch Mara Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Bloodstream🎟️ 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
Mara is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Mara stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mara movie hit or flop?
Mara has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Mara worth watching?
Mara is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Mara online?
Mara is currently available for streaming on Bloodstream. You can also check for it on platforms like Bloodstream depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Mara
I'm a fan of Olga Kurylenko. I first saw her in _Hitman_ (and she's a big part of why I like that movie) then a few more times before watching her steal the show in _Centurion_. So when I heard that there was going to be a Kurylenko-led horror movie in 2018 I was on board. Then it turned out Craig Conway was in it too! That cemented it for me, there was no way I was gonna miss _Mara_. And even though they're both good in this, I probably should have been paying less attention to the fact that I like two of the actors in this movie, and more attention to something like, say, the plot synopsis, because _Mara_ is just one in a recent slew of practically identical (and never very good) horror movies about sleep paralysis. Maybe it's a touch more competently made than most of the others, but it's still as banal as any of them. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
