Is The Surface Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Surface is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 79 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Surface Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, The Surface emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Evan, an orphaned 22-year-old who grew up in the foster care system, buys a vintage 8mm camera in a yard sale from an elderly man, ends up with reels of the man's old home movies, and begins to live vicariously through these home movies. Unlike standard genre fare, The Surface attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Surface features a noteworthy lineup led by Harry Hains . Supported by the likes of Nicholas McDonald and Michael Redford , 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 Surface (2015) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Surface Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Surface is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Surface Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Surface attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Surface reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Surface?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Surface
- Harry Hains – Evan Jones
- Nicholas McDonald – Chris Stentz
- Michael Redford – Peter Berg
- Kyle Patrick Darling – Justin Fishman
- Samantha Bowling – Michelle
Top Highlights
Harry HainsEvan Jones
Nicholas McDonaldChris Stentz
Michael RedfordPeter Berg
Kyle Patrick DarlingJustin Fishman
Samantha BowlingMichelle
Jinny ChungAmy Chen
Robert E. WeinerHarry Berg
Iva TurnerYard Sale Shopper
Koji NiiyaJohn the Bartender
Ari DavidA.J. Party Guy
Where to Watch The Surface Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Surface has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Surface 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 Surface movie hit or flop?
The Surface has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Surface worth watching?
The Surface is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Surface online?
The Surface 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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Critic Reviews for The Surface
arry Hains' portrayal of "Evan", an orphaned 22 year old is quite sensitive in this melodrama about a lad searching for a sense of identity and for family. He buys an old movie camera and some films and sets about restoring them to discover they are about the family of the man he bought it from. This triggers in him a need for a sort of emotional freedom so he splits from his long term boyfriend and takes up with the son of the man who sold him the camera. It's a good looking, if hardly ground breaking, film that tries to deal with self-appreciation and longing; and it makes a decent fist of it.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
