Serenity

Name: Serenity
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Released: January 25, 2019
Duration: 106 min
Rating: 37
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Charlotte Butler, David Butler, Diane Lane, Djimon Hounsou

2019

METASCORE

Generally unfavorable reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 99 Ratings

See All

4.7

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4.7	Your Score
4.7	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 99 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Serenity (Trailer 2)

Now Playing: Serenity (Trailer 2)

Movie Details & Credits

Aviron Pictures | Release Date: January 25, 2019 | R

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Charlotte Butler, David Butler, Diane Lane, Djimon Hounsou, Edeen Bhugeloo, Garion Dowds, Jason Clarke, Jeremy Strong, Kenneth Fok, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Richard, Rafael Sayegh, Robert Hobbs

Summary: Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a fishing boat captain leading tours off a tranquil, tropical enclave called Plymouth Island. His quiet life is shattered, however, when his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down with a desperate plea for help. She begs Dill to save her – and their young son – from her new, violent husband (JasonBaker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a fishing boat captain leading tours off a tranquil, tropical enclave called Plymouth Island. His quiet life is shattered, however, when his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down with a desperate plea for help. She begs Dill to save her – and their young son – from her new, violent husband (Jason Clarke) by taking him out to sea on a fishing excursion, only to throw him to the sharks and leave him for dead. Karen’s appearance thrusts Dill back into a life he’d tried to forget, and as he struggles between right and wrong, his world is plunged into a new reality that may not be all that it seems.… Expand

Director: Steven Knight

Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Rating: R

Runtime: 106 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper

Jan 24, 2019

The spiritual angle in Serenity is just one of the many elements making this one of the most ambitious, one of the most challenging — and one of the most entertaining thrillers in recent years. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Jan 25, 2019

Serenity is a peculiar, niche production with minimal mainstream appeal. It will find its greatest favor with those who value oddball movies that take chances (regardless of whether they work or don’t). Read full review

The Film Stage Dan Mecca

Jan 24, 2019

One can respect what Knight is trying at, while never fully buying into it. Despite the talent and the brazen originality, Serenity‘s reach exceeds its grasp. Read full review

Movie Nation Roger Moore

Jan 25, 2019

The setting, the sexy tone, the cast and snippets of sharp dialogue tamped down my eye rolling through the film’s first half. McConaughey, who has more than his share of seaside tales, gives fair value in delivering salty lines. Read full review

William Bibbiani

Jan 24, 2019

Serenity is a twist in search of a movie, a film noir in search of a purpose, and a great cast in search of better material. Read full review

Todd McCarthy

Jan 24, 2019

Like a long fishing day without a bite, Serenity invites impatience rather than excited anticipation, and the eventual payoff provokes a big “huh?” Read full review

Rex Reed

Jan 25, 2019

The new year is not even a month old, but a hunk of junk called Serenity already qualifies as the worst film of 2019. Both moronically written and directed with shocking, amateurish ineptitude by Stephen Knight. Read full review

SEE ALL 38 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

Bantarific

Feb 2, 2019

This is perhaps the first movie I've ever seen where the plot twist went completely over everyone's head, including ALL of the critics, (even the few who actually enjoyed it.) The film red herrings the living hell out of the audience, but it's quite easy to see past with some criticalThis is perhaps the first movie I've ever seen where the plot twist went completely over everyone's head, including ALL of the critics, (even the few who actually enjoyed it.) The film red herrings the living hell out of the audience, but it's quite easy to see past with some critical thinking. Of course, it's always possible that all the symbolism and metaphor was completely coincidental, and that the internal logic of the film is entirely non-existent. But try to think a little bit deeper and you too might figure out that maybe we shouldn't take the film's "absurd plot twist" at face value...… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

hugoferreira

Jan 25, 2019

It's a bold move from Steven that apparently didn't appealed to the critics that applaud some other empty movies (like "oscar nominee" Black Phanter), but ok the review is about Serinity. The movie it's very weird and the movie should end around 10 min before then it actually does (Steven'sIt's a bold move from Steven that apparently didn't appealed to the critics that applaud some other empty movies (like "oscar nominee" Black Phanter), but ok the review is about Serinity. The movie it's very weird and the movie should end around 10 min before then it actually does (Steven's fault here). However, at the same time is bold, innovative and surprisingly refreshing. The first half of movie you wanna go home and think why? just why? but the second half you are there "oh! wow!" that was pretty cool. It's a well conceived nowadays thriller. This 39 score from critics, seriously? Maybe if Karen (Anne Hathaway) was a black woman beaten by her white husband or Patrick was a poor, not understood, gay boy the score would be around 90.… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

Ralfbergs

Nov 8, 2020

It had a great cast and Matthew is great at what he does, and while at first the story seemed like it might be interesting and mysterious, it quickly turned a bit predictable and also weird. Like seemed they are trying to make it with twists and turns too much even though it wasn't.It had a great cast and Matthew is great at what he does, and while at first the story seemed like it might be interesting and mysterious, it quickly turned a bit predictable and also weird. Like seemed they are trying to make it with twists and turns too much even though it wasn't. Basically got quite boring towards the end , is what im saying… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ryang1790

Dec 3, 2019

Most people will rate this film because of its ridiculous plot twist, but what most won't say is that it's genuinely insulting. The film obviously builds up to something that it wants to surprise the audience with but it plays like an adjatation instead, like it expects the audience to knowMost people will rate this film because of its ridiculous plot twist, but what most won't say is that it's genuinely insulting. The film obviously builds up to something that it wants to surprise the audience with but it plays like an adjatation instead, like it expects the audience to know its grand reveal ahead of time. It's bad, and it hurts the film in ways most don't expect or want to admit to. The only positive mark on the film is the soundtrack, which, ironically enough, is full of serenity and plays out like a peaceful dream.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

KeithDow

Jan 25, 2019

Despite some alluring cinematography and an all-star cast--including Matthew McConaughey--the film is far from alright, alright, alright.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

GrantD243

Oct 1, 2019

For some reason, I expected that I'd like this film more than critics did. I was...very wrong. Serenity is an absolute mess. Matthew McConaughey is Matthew McConaughey. Anne Hathaway is completely wasted. And the "twist" is a complete letdown that opens up many plot holes and frustrations.For some reason, I expected that I'd like this film more than critics did. I was...very wrong. Serenity is an absolute mess. Matthew McConaughey is Matthew McConaughey. Anne Hathaway is completely wasted. And the "twist" is a complete letdown that opens up many plot holes and frustrations. This is one of the worst films of the year.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

foxgrove

Mar 11, 2019

'In Plymouth everyone knows everything' states a minor character to Matthew McConaughey's ex war vet turned struggling fisherman. His reply of 'except what the f*** is going on', is totally apt. Given an impressive trailer, that promises a different film, and two Oscar winning stars on board'In Plymouth everyone knows everything' states a minor character to Matthew McConaughey's ex war vet turned struggling fisherman. His reply of 'except what the f*** is going on', is totally apt. Given an impressive trailer, that promises a different film, and two Oscar winning stars on board this should have at least been journeyman work. Unfortunately, it can't even be called a good bad film. It's just very bad. McConaughey is not the only one in the dark with regards to the silly and baffling plot. He, along with Anne Hathaway as a somewhat down trodden femme fatale give the worst performances of their careers egged on by the appalling screenplay. Matt mugs shamelessly and Anne is borderline hysterical throughout. One pities poor Diane Lane, usually so poised and elegant, but who here just manages to maintain a semblance of dignity by being mercifully underused. Probably the worst film you will see all year. You have been warned.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

SEE ALL 32 REVIEWS