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Franklyn

Franklyn

Reality is a state of mind.

200898 minRMidcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
Gerald McMorrow
Starring
Eva Green, Ryan Phillippe, Bernard Hill, Sam Riley

Set between the parallel worlds of contemporary London and the futuristic faith dominated metropolis of Meanwhile City, Franklyn weaves a tale of four souls, whose lives are intertwined by fate, romance and tragedy. As these worlds collide, a single bullet determines the destiny of these four characters.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Franklyn?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Franklyn to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Franklyn?

Franklyn earns 8 badges, led by Before they were famous and Box Office Flop.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Franklyn worth watching?

Franklyn's Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 25K ratings across 4 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

46th percentile among Drama46th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)46th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

60 /100

46th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Drama45th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama47th percentile among 2000s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 57% · Audience 43%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

84th percentile

25K ratings across platforms

87th percentile among Drama77th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 14% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$6M
Worldwide gross$1.3M

Returned 0.2× its budget — 63rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree Franklyn is a complex, ambitious film with striking visual style that prioritizes ambiguity and psychological themes over conventional storytelling.

Fans praised

  • original and ambitious psychological drama defying genre classification
  • stunning visual design of Meanwhile City blending gothic and dystopian aesthetics
  • strong performances from the ensemble cast, particularly Eva Green and Bernard Hill

Detractors panned

  • convoluted, slow-paced narrative with unsatisfying payoff
  • pretentious and self-indulgent, masquerading confusion as depth
  • London-set storylines are dull and emotionally unengaging

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive80

Visually striking, beautiful color palette differentiating worlds, but some find direction pedestrian

Atmosphere80

Dark, gothic, immersive tone; Meanwhile City praised as a compelling dystopian world, though some find the overall mood dreary

OriginalityDivisive75

Praised as fresh and genre-defying, but also criticized as derivative of Dark City, V for Vendetta, and Fight Club; divisive on how much it truly innovates

ActingDivisive70

Performances praised as committed, especially Eva Green and Bernard Hill, but some find Sam Riley weak or Ryan Phillippe derivative of Rorschach

CharactersDivisive45

Fans appreciate the depth of struggling, traumatized individuals; detractors find them uninteresting, unlikable, or too thinly drawn

Plot and storyDivisive35

Convoluted, fragmented narrative with multiple timelines; fans praise the puzzle-like structure, detractors condemn the lack of coherence and weak resolution

EndingDivisive35

Divisive: fans find the convergence satisfying and thought-provoking; most detractors call the resolution inadequate, rushed, or anticlimactic

Pacing25

Universally criticized as slow, tedious, or meandering; fans urge patience, detractors call it unwatchable

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 11 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Franklyn like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Mind-bender: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a puzzle and can give it your full attention.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Mind-bender.

Moods
TenseDreadContemplative
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
The answer rests on this: Told as
Hyperlink · 1% of films: Separate storylines that intersect by coincidence.Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
TonePlays its psychological and fantasy material with earnest gravity, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film sustains a brooding, anxious tone across its parallel narratives, with weight carried consistently rather than concentrated in one act.
StructureInterwoven storylines across two worlds gradually converge.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's ambiguous resolution and themes of reality, delusion, and trauma linger, with a faint hopeful note.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film intertwines a vigilante's revenge quest in a dystopian religious city with personal stories of loss and mental illness.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsGrief · 6% of filmsFaith · 3% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores fractured identity across parallel worlds, where characters grapple with grief, delusion, and the search for self amidst societal and religious pressures.
StanceThe film questions the nature of faith, identity, and the line between reality and delusion without passing judgment.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Joby Talbot
SettingA dystopian religious city alongside modern London
MusicTalbot's score blends eerie strings and minimalist textures to underscore the film's gothic, fragmented tone.

Content guide

Is Franklyn okay for kids?

R

Franklyn is rated R: “Rated R for language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (38/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • Ireland15
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan輔導級
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (34 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Franklyn have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Franklyn?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Eva Green
as Emilia
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ryan Phillippe
as Preest
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bernard Hill
as Peter Esser
Sam Riley
as Milo
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Art Malik
as Tarrant
Richard Coyle
as Dan
Susannah York
as Margaret
Kika Markham
as Naomi
Mark Wingett
as Frank Grant
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Gary Pillai
as Doctor

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Franklyn?

Movies like Franklyn include Hulk (2003), Metropia (2009) and Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about estranged parents and children, and several are films set in a fictional world.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Franklyn?

635 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.