6.7
Where can I stream Primer legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Primer
2004·Movie
Primer fingerprint
Immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Wondrous
- Wonder7
- Pathos4
- Melancholy4
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Absurdist Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
World
Technology, the mind, and the future
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Ambiguity9
- Novelty9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Complexity10
- Intrigue9
- Non-linear Narrative9
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography6
- Visual Stylization6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Primer is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighTechnology, the mind, and the future
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around technology, the mind, and the future. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Tech & Humanity10Human stories in a tech world.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Futuristic8Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Complexity10Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
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.
Mind-Bending Time TravelLow-Budget Sci-FiComplex Narrative StructureDIY Indie FilmParanoia and ObsessionEthical DilemmasTechnological ExperimentationPsychological Thriller
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Primer
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Primer worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes 72%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Primer rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is Primer?
1 h 17 min
Primer runs 1 h 17 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Primer?
Critics70
Audiences73
Yes. Critics average 70 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Primer much the same way.
What language is Primer in?
EnglishFrench
It was made in English, with some French. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Primer?
33
+19
+19GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Primer in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
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 storytelling tropes for Primer, including Viewers Are Geniuses, Reset Button, Ironic Echo.