Is The Candidate Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Candidate is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Candidate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2008, The Candidate emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Jonas Bechmann, a defense attorney, is a man of the system. Unlike standard genre fare, The Candidate 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 The Candidate features a noteworthy lineup led by Nikolaj Lie Kaas . Supported by the likes of Ulf Pilgaard and Laura Christensen , 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 Candidate (2008) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Candidate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Candidate 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.
The Candidate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Candidate attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 The Candidate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Candidate?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Candidate Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Candidate
- Nikolaj Lie Kaas – Jonas Bechmann
- Ulf Pilgaard – Martin Schiller
- Laura Christensen – Louise
- Tuva Novotny – Camilla
- David Dencik – Michael
Top Highlights
Nikolaj Lie KaasJonas Bechmann
Ulf PilgaardMartin Schiller
Laura ChristensenLouise
Tuva NovotnyCamilla
David DencikMichael
Kim BodniaClaes Kiehlert
Henning JensenPeter Bechmann
Jesper LangbergJørgen Hammel
Birgitte Hjort SørensenSarah
Henning Valin JakobsenAfpresser 1
Where to Watch The Candidate Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesParents Guide & Age Rating
The Candidate has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Candidate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Candidate movie hit or flop?
The Candidate has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Candidate worth watching?
The Candidate 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 The Candidate online?
The Candidate 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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How The Candidate Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Candidate
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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.
