Is The Square Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Square is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Square Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2008, The Square emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ray, a construction worker trapped in an unhappy marriage, pursues an affair with his neighbor, Carla. Unlike standard genre fare, The Square attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Square features a noteworthy lineup led by David Roberts . Supported by the likes of Claire van der Boom and Joel Edgerton , 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 Square (2008) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Square Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Square is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Square Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Square concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Square reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Square Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Square incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Square adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Square?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Square Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $728.9K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Square
- David Roberts – Raymond Yale
- Claire van der Boom – Carla Smith
- Joel Edgerton – Billy
- Hanna Mangan Lawrence – Lily (as Hannah Mangan-Lawrence)
- Anthony Hayes – Greg 'Smithy' Smith
Top Highlights
David RobertsRaymond Yale
Claire van der BoomCarla Smith
Joel EdgertonBilly
Hanna Mangan LawrenceLily (as Hannah Mangan-Lawrence)
Anthony HayesGreg 'Smithy' Smith
Peter PhelpsJake
Bill HunterGil Hubbard
Kieran Darcy-SmithBarney
Stephen WestonCharlie
Lisa BaileyWendy
Where to Watch The Square Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Square 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 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Square stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Square movie hit or flop?
The Square has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Square worth watching?
The Square is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Square online?
The Square 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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How The Square Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Square
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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.
