5.4
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The Machine fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare6
- Violence6
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos5
- Romance3
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Physical Comedy2
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and mystery
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Machine is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumThe mind, everyday modern life, and mystery
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and mystery.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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About
This deftly made French psychological thriller terrifies with its exploration of an experiment gone horribly wrong. Dr. Marc Lacroix, a psychiatrist specializing in brain functions, is obsessed with the link between mind and spirit. To find his link he studies the criminally insane. He builds a secret machine, known only to his mistress Marianne, in which he hopes to exchange minds between humans. He simultaneously wants to help the mentally ill recover, and he wants to experience their madness. He chooses the psychotic killer, Zyto, a man who stabbed at least three women, for his experiment. The initial experiment is successful and the two exchange minds. But trouble ensues when Zyto refuses to reverse the switch. There is little Marc can do when Zyto takes over Marc's life, and more ominously his wife and child whom are unknowingly in mortal danger. Marc, encased in Zyto's body, is returned to the asylum. Will Marc's wife recognize the danger? Will Zyto kill again?
Psychological ThrillerMind ExchangeExperiment Gone WrongCriminal InsanityIdentity TheftMoral DilemmaBody HorrorFrench CinemaTechnological Horror
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Machine
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Machine worth watching?
53
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54/100 (IMDb 5.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Machine rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagerySexual content
Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and sexual content.
How long is The Machine?
1 h 36 min
The Machine runs 1 h 36 min.
Is The Machine based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
What language is The Machine in?
French
It was made in French. Produced in France, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch The Machine?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Machine in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Machine use?
Blood-Splattered InnocentsA.I. Is a CrapshootRobo RomanceInstant ExpertGlowing Mechanical EyesBadass AdorableNever Given a NameDid They or Didn't They?Big BadReplacement GoldfishElaborate Underground BaseVirtual Ghostand 4 more
TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for The Machine, including Blood-Splattered Innocents, A.I. Is a Crapshoot, Robo Romance.