Is The Protégé Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Protégé is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Protégé Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, The Protégé emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody and trained in the family business, Anna is the world’s most skilled contract killer. Unlike standard genre fare, The Protégé attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Protégé features a noteworthy lineup led by Maggie Q . Supported by the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton , 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 Protégé (2021) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Protégé Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Protégé is a Action, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody and trained in the family business, Anna is the world’s most skilled contract killer. When Moody, the man who was like a father to her and taught her everything she needs to know about trust and survival, is brutally killed, Anna vows revenge. As she becomes entangled with an enigmatic killer whose attraction to her goes way beyond cat and mouse, their confrontation turns deadly and the loose ends of a life spent killing will weave themselves ever tighter. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- 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 final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
The Protégé Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Protégé concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Protégé reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Protégé?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
The Protégé Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $8.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Protégé
- Maggie Q – Anna
- Samuel L. Jackson – Moody
- Michael Keaton – Michael Rembrandt
- David Rintoul – Edward Hayes
- Patrick Malahide – Vohl
Top Highlights
Maggie QAnna
Samuel L. JacksonMoody
Michael KeatonMichael Rembrandt
David RintoulEdward Hayes
Patrick MalahideVohl
Ray FearonDuquet
Ori PfefferJoe Athens
Robert PatrickBilly Boy
Florin Piersic Jr.Ram
Tudor ChirilăPetru
Where to Watch The Protégé Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Protégé is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Protégé stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Protégé movie hit or flop?
The Protégé has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Protégé worth watching?
The Protégé is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Protégé online?
The Protégé is currently available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. You can also check for it on platforms like Lionsgate Play, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How The Protégé Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Protégé
Entertaining if not also kind of forgettable action-thriller. The three leads, Maggie Q, Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson, have some bad-ass scenes and there are some suspenseful scenes, but as a whole, didn't really think it's all that different from what has been seen before. In fact, I think 2018's Anna might've been a tad better. The finale also was perplexing. They make a big deal on how hard it was to get onto an island yet they (Maggie Q and Jackson) just are there, no scenes on how. That said, I did think Maggie Q and Michael Keaton were great together and Martin Campbell's direction was fine, although did far better work on GoldenEye and Casino Royale. I think this is fine as a rental. Don't know how much replay value it has. **3.25/5**
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
