The Lazarus Effect

  • 2015
  • PG-13
  • 83m
movieMx RATING
5.3
1.5K
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

The Lazarus Effect Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 14, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 14, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Lazarus Effect

MovieThe Lazarus Effect
Release Year2015
DirectorDavid Gelb
GenreHorror / Science Fiction / Thriller
Runtime83 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Lazarus Effect (2015) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in The Lazarus Effect are led by Mark Duplass . The supporting cast, including Olivia Wilde and Donald Glover , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Lazarus Effect (2015) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.3/10, it currently stands as a AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While The Lazarus Effect does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Lazarus Effect has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Lazarus Effect

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2015, The Lazarus Effect is a Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by David Gelb. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mark Duplass.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Medical researcher Frank, his fiancee Zoe and their team have achieved the impossible: they have found a way to revive the dead. After a successful, but unsanctioned, experiment on a lifeless animal, they are ready to make their work public. However, when their dean learns what they've done, he shuts them down. Zoe is killed during an attempt to recreate the experiment, leading Frank to test the process on her. Zoe is revived -- but something evil is within her. Director David Gelb uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: The Lazarus Effect

The Lazarus Effect Ending Explained: Directed by David Gelb, The Lazarus Effect attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.

The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Mark Duplass. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of The Lazarus Effect reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch The Lazarus Effect?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Lazarus Effect

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $3.3M
Worldwide Gross $64.1M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Lazarus Effect Budget

The estimated production budget for The Lazarus Effect is $3.3M. 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.

Advertisement

Top Cast: The Lazarus Effect

All Cast & Crew →
Advertisement

Where to Watch The Lazarus Effect Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

The Lazarus Effect Parents Guide & Age Rating

2015 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Lazarus Effect age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Lazarus Effect is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Lazarus Effect is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Lazarus Effect is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2015 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Lazarus Effect. Rating: 5.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Lazarus Effect worth watching?

The Lazarus Effect is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Lazarus Effect parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Lazarus Effect identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Lazarus Effect?

The total duration of The Lazarus Effect is 83 minutes, which is approximately 1h 23m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Lazarus Effect

How The Lazarus Effect Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Lazarus Effect

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.3
The Lazarus Effect
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-lazarus-effect-243940" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Lazarus Effect</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Mark Duplass

View full filmography