Is The Fifth Estate Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Fifth Estate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 128 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Fifth Estate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, The Fifth Estate emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website's growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Unlike standard genre fare, The Fifth Estate 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 The Fifth Estate features a noteworthy lineup led by Benedict Cumberbatch . Supported by the likes of Daniel Brühl and Anthony Mackie , 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 Fifth Estate (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Fifth Estate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Fifth Estate is a Drama, Thriller 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.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website's growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- 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: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
The Fifth Estate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Fifth Estate concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Fifth Estate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Fifth Estate?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Fifth Estate Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $28.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Fifth Estate Budget
The estimated production budget for The Fifth Estate is $28.0M. 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 The Fifth Estate
- Benedict Cumberbatch – Julian Assange
- Daniel Brühl – Daniel Domscheit-Berg
- Anthony Mackie – Sam Coulson
- David Thewlis – Nick Davies
- Alicia Vikander – Anke Domscheit-Berg
Top Highlights
Benedict CumberbatchJulian Assange
Daniel BrühlDaniel Domscheit-Berg
Anthony MackieSam Coulson
David ThewlisNick Davies
Alicia VikanderAnke Domscheit-Berg
Dan StevensIan Katz
Stanley TucciJames Boswell
Laura LinneySarah Shaw
Carice van HoutenBirgitta Jonsdottir
Peter CapaldiAlan Rusbridger
Where to Watch The Fifth Estate Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ 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
The Fifth Estate 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 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Fifth Estate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Fifth Estate movie hit or flop?
The Fifth Estate has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Fifth Estate worth watching?
The Fifth Estate is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Fifth Estate online?
The Fifth Estate 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 The Fifth Estate
Oh, I wonder how soon they will make a film about our time and everything that happens with data security now? It’s just a nightmare, my guy insisted that I delete Telegram and download Utopia p2p, because Telegrams are often tried to be hacked. But Cumberbatch is handsome
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
