RATING★ 5.3/10
VERDICT AVERAGE
The Lazarus Effect (2015) movie backdrop
The Lazarus Effect (2015) movie poster

The Lazarus Effect Hit or Flop?

Rating
5.3/10
🎯Verdict
AVERAGE
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
201583 minHorror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Audience VerdictAVERAGE
Box Office ClassStandard

The Lazarus Effect

The Lazarus Effect Movie Hit or Flop?

AVERAGE

Verdict:The Lazarus Effect is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.3/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller genre.

Is The Lazarus Effect Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, The Lazarus Effect is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.

It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

5.3/10 1,495 votes
83Minutes
2015Release Year
Visual Story
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The Lazarus Effect Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, The Lazarus Effect emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Medical researcher Frank, his fiancee Zoe and their team have achieved the impossible: they have found a way to revive the dead. Unlike standard genre fare, The Lazarus Effect attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Lazarus Effect features a noteworthy lineup led by Mark Duplass . Supported by the likes of Olivia Wilde and Donald Glover , 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 Lazarus Effect (2015) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

The Lazarus Effect Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: The Lazarus Effect is a Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller film that 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 and narrative structure.

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. The film 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.

The Lazarus Effect Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: The Lazarus Effect attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Lazarus Effect reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

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

The Lazarus Effect Box Office Collection

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.

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Full Cast & Crew of The Lazarus Effect

  • Mark Duplass – Frank Walton
  • Olivia Wilde – Zoe McConnell
  • Donald Glover – Niko
  • Evan Peters – Clay
  • Sarah Bolger – Eva

Top Highlights

Mark Duplass
Mark DuplassFrank Walton
Olivia Wilde
Olivia WildeZoe McConnell
Donald Glover
Donald GloverNiko
Evan Peters
Evan PetersClay
Sarah Bolger
Sarah BolgerEva
Amy Aquino
Amy AquinoPresident Dalley
Ray Wise
Ray WiseMr. Wallace
Sean T. Krishnan
Sean T. KrishnanLawyer
Bruno Gunn
Bruno GunnFireman
Ator Tamras
Ator TamrasBurned Figure

Where to Watch The Lazarus Effect Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG-13
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.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Lazarus Effect stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Lazarus Effect movie hit or flop?

The Lazarus Effect has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Lazarus Effect worth watching?

The Lazarus Effect is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Lazarus Effect online?

The Lazarus Effect 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.

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

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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>

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