Is The Bricklayer Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Bricklayer is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Bricklayer Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, The Bricklayer emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Someone is blackmailing the CIA by assassinating foreign journalists and making it look like the agency is responsible. Unlike standard genre fare, The Bricklayer attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Bricklayer features a noteworthy lineup led by Aaron Eckhart . Supported by the likes of Nina Dobrev and Clifton Collins Jr. , 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 The Bricklayer (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Bricklayer Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Bricklayer is a Action, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. Someone is blackmailing the CIA by assassinating foreign journalists and making it look like the agency is responsible. As the world begins to unite against the U.S., the CIA must lure its most brilliant – and rebellious – operative out of retirement, forcing him to confront his checkered past while unraveling an international conspiracy. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
The Bricklayer Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Bricklayer attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Bricklayer reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Bricklayer?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Bricklayer Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $23.9M |
| Worldwide Gross | $899.7K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Bricklayer Budget
The estimated production budget for The Bricklayer is $23.9M. 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 The Bricklayer
- Aaron Eckhart – Vail
- Nina Dobrev – Kate
- Clifton Collins Jr. – Radek
- Tim Blake Nelson – O'Malley
- Ilfenesh Hadera – Tye
Top Highlights
Aaron EckhartVail
Nina DobrevKate
Clifton Collins Jr.Radek
Tim Blake NelsonO'Malley
Ilfenesh HaderaTye
Oliver TrevenaPatricio
Akis SakellariouKostas
Ori PfefferSten
John T. WoodsBertok
Konstantin AdaevTriton
Where to Watch The Bricklayer Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Bricklayer is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Bricklayer stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bricklayer movie hit or flop?
The Bricklayer has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Bricklayer worth watching?
The Bricklayer is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Bricklayer online?
The Bricklayer is currently available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. You can also check for it on platforms like Lionsgate Play, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Bricklayer
Basic but serviceable action flick with the usual cast of cliched US "good guys" vs your standard fare villains.This films not going to set the world on fire but its not dreadful, either. Pacing is decent and acting is okay. In summary, if you like the occasional simple, exposition driven action flick, this is worth a look.
Woooooooow. Cheap, cheap, cheap thrills. Bricklayer does this one knee slide at one point - kick ass. Kate shoots through him at guy speeding away on motor bike, Bricklayer doesn't even flinch. Bricklayer rules. Amazing. Thanks, team.
This light on action abomination, posing as an action movie, is dumber than a bag of bricklayers. They actually shoe horn in him being a bricklayer, who brings his brick tools on cia missions, and he actually gets to use his trowel to find some secrete crap in a wall, oops, i mean, spoiler alert. Oh, and he really loves jazz, cause hes sophisticated, despite being a dumb fuck bricklayer. Contrived would be generous. Shakey-cam cut-frenzy horse shit action, check, chauvinistic writing for the lady, check, 80 percent of the movie shot reverse shot conversations in a nondescript room, check. Production levels are around the low tier network tv show area, think seal team and that sort of trash.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
