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Puzzle

Puzzle

2018103 minRMidcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films
Director
Marc Turtletaub
Starring
Kelly Macdonald, Irrfan Khan, David Denman, Daniel Stewart Sherman

After years of caring exclusively for the needs of her husband and children, Agnes, a devoted housewife living in a small town near New York, has found something she really enjoys doing: solving puzzles.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Puzzle?

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

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Puzzle?

Puzzle earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

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

Reception

Is Puzzle worth watching?

Puzzle's Midcredits score is the 72nd percentile of all films, from 19K ratings across 6 sources. 64% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

72nd percentile

Better received than 72% of films

74th percentile among Drama72nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)70th
Approval (how many liked it)71st

67 /100

70th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Drama69th percentile among 2010s

Critics 66 · Audience 67

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

64% liked it

71st percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Drama72nd percentile among 2010s
64% rated it 7–1036% rated it 1–6

Critics 82% · Audience 74%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

19K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Drama89th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 109% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$61K
Domestic gross$2M
Worldwide gross$2.3M

70th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A quiet, character-driven drama about a housewife discovering her talent for jigsaw puzzles and beginning to question her place in her family.

Fans praised

  • Kelly Macdonald's nuanced, understated performance carries the film
  • Authentic portrayal of a woman's mid-life self-discovery and awakening
  • Subtle direction and script that favors quiet observation over melodrama

Detractors panned

  • Unsympathetic, selfish protagonist whose actions feel unearned
  • Husband portrayed as too sympathetic, making her affair unjustified
  • Slow pacing and thin plot fail to sustain interest

What stands out

Acting85

Kelly Macdonald's subtle, nuanced performance; Irrfan Khan's charming presence

Emotional impactDivisive60

Fans find it moving and inspiring; detractors find it frustrating

Dialogue55

Functional, with occasional witty or poignant lines

CharactersDivisive50

Agnes's arc divisive: fans see authentic awakening, detractors see selfishness; husband seen as too sympathetic

Plot and storyDivisive45

Predictable trajectory; feels thin and lacking in events for some

EndingDivisive45

Ambiguous, open-ended conclusion leaves many dissatisfied

PacingDivisive45

Slow, meditative for fans; sluggish and boring for detractors

Originality35

Familiar housewife-awakening story; derivative of earlier films

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Puzzle like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulJoyful
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its protagonist's journey of self-discovery with gentle sincerity, never mocking her awakening.
The rideThe mood is centered on the protagonist's emerging discovery and growth, with emotional peaks during her awakening.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning-middle-end arc as Agnes's discovery unfolds and her family adjusts.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer inspired by Agnes's quiet courage and the small but meaningful transformation in her life.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

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).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1% (this title)
  • 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%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Hidden worth revealed: The protagonist's true value finally recognized.

3% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeA suburban mother discovers a gift for puzzles, and her hidden worth is recognized as her life opens up, loosely fitting the rags-to-riches pattern of hidden worth revealed.

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 filmsSelfSelf-worth
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% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · 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% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · 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

Self-worth · 7% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a woman discovering her own value and a new sense of purpose outside her role as caregiver.
StanceThe film celebrates the protagonist's self-discovery and the value of her individuality and purpose.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Dustin O'Halloran
SettingA suburban American home and community.
MusicLikely features a gentle, melodic piano score characteristic of the composer.

Content guide

Is Puzzle okay for kids?

R

Puzzle is rated R: “Rated R for language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at minimal (13/100), language at intense (61/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (31/100) and frightening material at minimal (3/100). Overall it is heavier than 2% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany6
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea15
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandS
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 22% of all filmsHeavier than 2% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 7%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 40%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

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 Puzzle have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Puzzle?

Cast

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

Kelly Macdonald
as Agnes
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Irrfan Khan
as Robert
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.
David Denman
as Louie
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Daniel Stewart Sherman
as Ronnie
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Austin Abrams
as Gabe
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Bubba Weiler
as Ziggy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Helen Coxe
as Ezster
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mandela Bellamy
as Grocery Clerk
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Liv Hewson
as Nicki
Lori Hammel
as Fanny
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Puzzle?

Movies like Puzzle include The Lifeguard (2013), Sunshine Cleaning (2008) and Ode to Joy (2019). Of the 5 closest matches, all are films set in the suburbs, and most are films about self-worth.

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

3 of these 5 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

7.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: parent. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.