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Trailer

Primer

2004Movie1 h 17 minPG-13

Drama
70
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb6.7Metacritic687.3Rotten Tomatoes72%79%

An intricate, gripping sci-fi movie about technology and the mind.

Good for friends night · teens · drop-in friendly

Skip it if you want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for comfort, warmth or uplift.

Movies with

Story

What happens if it actually works?

A group of fledgling inventors discover a complex method to manipulate reality. At first, they successfully game the stock market with it, but the consequences of the invention start to catch up with them.

Feels like

  • Mind-Bending Time Travel
  • Low-Budget Sci-Fi
  • Complex Narrative Structure
  • DIY Indie Film
  • Paranoia and Obsession
  • Ethical Dilemmas
  • Technological Experimentation
  • Psychological Thriller

Cast

5 of 5

Crew

Directed by
Shane Carruth
Written by
Shane Carruth
Produced by
Shane Carruth
Music by
Shane Carruth

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

October 8, 2004 · 1 h 17 min · PG-13

Released
October 8, 2004
Runtime
1 h 17 min
Age rating
PG-13
Genres
Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller
Original language
English
Also spoken
French
Made in
United States
Budget
$7,000
Box office
$545,436
Available in
28 countries

Tropes

Viewers Are Geniuses, Reset Button, Ironic Echo +9

  • Viewers Are Geniuses
  • Reset Button
  • Ironic Echo
  • Shown Their Work
  • Wham Shot
  • Personality Swap
  • Deadly Nosebleed
  • Pre-lap
  • Clone Degeneration
  • Small Role, Big Impact
  • Corrupt Corporate Executive
  • White Male Lead

12 of 51 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream Primer?"

Questions about Primer

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Primer?

In the United States, you can rent or buy Primer from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It streams in 12 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Primer worth watching?

70
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70 (IMDb 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes 72%, and Metacritic 68).

Is Primer okay for kids?

PG-13

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Can I half-watch Primer?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 10 of 10 for complexity and 9 for non-linear narrative.

What tropes does Primer use?

Viewers Are GeniusesReset ButtonIronic EchoShown Their WorkWham ShotPersonality SwapDeadly NosebleedPre-lapClone DegenerationSmall Role, Big ImpactCorrupt Corporate ExecutiveWhite Male Leadand 39 more

TV Tropes lists 51 tropes for it, including Viewers Are Geniuses, Reset Button, and Ironic Echo.