Is The Machine Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Machine is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Machine Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, The Machine emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Already deep into a second Cold War, Britain’s Ministry of Defense seeks a game-changing weapon. Unlike standard genre fare, The Machine attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Machine features a noteworthy lineup led by Caity Lotz . Supported by the likes of Toby Stephens and Denis Lawson , 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 Machine (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Machine Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Machine is a Science Fiction, Thriller film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Already deep into a second Cold War, Britain’s Ministry of Defense seeks a game-changing weapon. Programmer Vincent McCarthy unwittingly provides an answer in The Machine, a super-strong human cyborg. When a programming bug causes the prototype to decimate his lab, McCarthy takes his obsessive efforts underground, far away from inquisitive eyes. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Machine Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Machine attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Machine reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Machine?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Machine Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $314.1K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Machine Budget
The estimated production budget for The Machine is $1.5M. 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 Machine
- Caity Lotz – Ava
- Toby Stephens – Vincent McCarthy
- Denis Lawson – Thomson
- Sam Hazeldine – James
- Pooneh Hajimohammadi – Suri
Top Highlights
Caity LotzAva
Toby StephensVincent McCarthy
Denis LawsonThomson
Sam HazeldineJames
Pooneh HajimohammadiSuri
Jonathan ByrneTim
Jade CrootMary
John-Paul MacleodPaul Dawson (as John Paul Macleod)
Helen GriffinPaul Dawson's Mother
Siwan MorrisLucy
Where to Watch The Machine Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
XLTV Amazon Channel 🎟️ 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 Machine 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 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Machine 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 Machine movie hit or flop?
The Machine has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Machine worth watching?
The Machine is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Machine online?
The Machine is currently available for streaming on XLTV Amazon Channel . You can also check for it on platforms like XLTV Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How The Machine Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Machine
**Creating an artificial intelligence, but its intelligence beyond expected's the issue.** Maybe the films about artificial intelligence that were made in the last 5 years might outnumber to those were made before that for centuries. Especially there are lots of B movies on this theme and some of them surpassed the film critics and the film fanatics' expectations. Here is another one, but this is a British film. Though one thing I don't understand is, in all these films they make the same mistakes. I mean the film characters recognising the AI as one of us which leads to a major disaster. Sets in the future, when the Chinese aggression towards the Taiwan made the west, especially Britain to counteract them in the region, they decide to build a most advanced AI. But when the scientist creates beyond what the military needed, the conflict of interest surface among them. From this, who gains what, and how the story ends comes in the latter part. Initially I liked it, but not the progression. It led nowhere, but the same crumble and a conflict between the man and the machine. I'm not saying the film was bad, but I blame the overcrowded films on this theme. The filmmakers have to start to think a different kind of storyline. Going advance like what AIs can do in the field than the initiation programmes which is too old for now and onwards. So that's where I disliked it, but not hated it. I hope you enjoyed it better than me or would do if you yet to try. _5/10_
A disaster ... the effects are good, but the plot is very **forced** and closed ... very trite the subject of AI that becomes human ... there are other titles even recent that far exceed it, starting with "Yo Robot" (_to which does not even reach the heels_)!
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
