Is What Is It? Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, What Is It? is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 72 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
What Is It? Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, What Is It? emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The adventures of a young man whose principle interests are snails, salt, a pipe, and how to get home. Unlike standard genre fare, What Is It? 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 What Is It? features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Bleviss . Supported by the likes of Carlos Richardson and Lisa Fusco , 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 What Is It? (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
What Is It? Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: What Is It? is a Drama, Fantasy 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.
What Is It? Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: What Is It? 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 What Is It? reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What Is It??
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of What Is It?
- Michael Bleviss – The Young Man
- Carlos Richardson – The Young Man's Alter Ego
- Lisa Fusco – The Young Man's Fantasy Girl
- Crispin Glover – Dueling Demi-God Auteur / The Young Man's Inner Psyche and Id
- Steven C. Stewart – Dueling Demi-God Auteur / The Young Man's Uber Ego
Top Highlights
Michael BlevissThe Young Man
Carlos RichardsonThe Young Man's Alter Ego
Lisa FuscoThe Young Man's Fantasy Girl
Crispin GloverDueling Demi-God Auteur / The Young Man's Inner Psyche and Id
Steven C. StewartDueling Demi-God Auteur / The Young Man's Uber Ego
John InsinnaThe Young Man's Outer Sanctum Friend / Inner Sanctum's Choked Victim
Kelly SwiderskiInner Sanctum Concubine / Outer Sanctum Snail Collector
Robin AdamsInner Sanctum Concubine / Outer Sanctum Girl Who Recognizes Burning
Adam ParfreyThe Minstrel
Rickey WittmanThe Minstrel's Nemesis
Parents Guide & Age Rating
What Is It? is rated NC-17.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, What Is It? stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Is It? movie hit or flop?
What Is It? has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is What Is It? worth watching?
What Is It? is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch What Is It? online?
What Is It? 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 What Is It?
How What Is It? Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for What Is It?
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.