Is Taking Lives Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Taking Lives is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Taking Lives Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2004, Taking Lives emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Recruited to assist Montreal police in their desperate search for a serial killer who assumes the identities of his victims, FBI profiler Illeana Scott knows it's only a matter of time before the killer strikes again. Unlike standard genre fare, Taking Lives attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Taking Lives features a noteworthy lineup led by Angelina Jolie . Supported by the likes of Ethan Hawke and Kiefer Sutherland , 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 Taking Lives (2004) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Taking Lives Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Taking Lives is a Thriller film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. Recruited to assist Montreal police in their desperate search for a serial killer who assumes the identities of his victims, FBI profiler Illeana Scott knows it's only a matter of time before the killer strikes again. Her most promising lead is a museum employee who might be the killer's only eyewitness. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- 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: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Taking Lives Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Taking Lives concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Taking Lives reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Taking Lives?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Taking Lives Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $45.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $65.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Taking Lives Budget
The estimated production budget for Taking Lives is $45.0M. 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 Taking Lives
- Angelina Jolie – Illeana Scott
- Ethan Hawke – James Costa
- Kiefer Sutherland – Christopher Hart
- Gena Rowlands – Mrs. Rebecca Asher
- Olivier Martinez – Paquette
Top Highlights
Angelina JolieIlleana Scott
Ethan HawkeJames Costa
Kiefer SutherlandChristopher Hart
Gena RowlandsMrs. Rebecca Asher
Olivier MartinezPaquette
Tchéky KaryoLeclair
Jean-Hugues AngladeDuval
Paul DanoYoung Asher
Justin ChatwinMatt Soulsby
André LacosteCashier
Where to Watch Taking Lives Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Taking Lives is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Taking Lives stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2004 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taking Lives movie hit or flop?
Taking Lives has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Taking Lives worth watching?
Taking Lives is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Taking Lives online?
Taking Lives may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Taking Lives
Angelina Jolie does her best here and Ethan Hawke injects just a touch of menace but otherwise it's a rather far-fetched crime thriller set in Montreal. "Martin Asher" leaves his home and by systematically killing men as he ages - and assuming their identities - has left quite a trail of corpses over almost twenty years before FBI profiler Jolie is drafted in to try and help them get to the bottom of it all. The acting is ok, by and large, but a few "guest appearances" from Kiefer Sutherland, Gena Rowlands and probably the briefest of roles in his career for Justin Chatwin, can't really develop the rather dreary writing nor give it much sparkle as we lumber towards an ending that is just plain daft. In theory, the story is complex and has enough about it to keep us guessing, but the overall execution is flat and proves pretty uninteresting after about ten minutes. Pity - had potential.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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