Is The Fourth State Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Fourth State is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Fourth State Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, The Fourth State emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A journalist gets caught up in a terrorist plot in Moscow while investigating the Russian secret service. Unlike standard genre fare, The Fourth State 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 Fourth State features a noteworthy lineup led by Moritz Bleibtreu . Supported by the likes of Kasia Smutniak and Mark Ivanir , 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 Fourth State (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Fourth State Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Fourth State 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 Fourth State Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Fourth State 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 Fourth State reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Fourth State?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Fourth State
- Moritz Bleibtreu – Paul Jensen
- Kasia Smutniak – Katja
- Mark Ivanir – Aslan
- Max Riemelt – Dima
- Stipe Erceg – Vladimir
Top Highlights
Moritz BleibtreuPaul Jensen
Kasia SmutniakKatja
Mark IvanirAslan
Max RiemeltDima
Stipe ErcegVladimir
Cosima ShawAndrea Berger
Reiner SchöneSokolow
Rade ŠerbedžijaOnjegin
Dragoș BucurShamil
Masha TokarevaNadja
Where to Watch The Fourth State Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Fourth State 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 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Fourth State stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Fourth State movie hit or flop?
The Fourth State has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Fourth State worth watching?
The Fourth State 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 Fourth State online?
The Fourth State 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 Fourth State
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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.
