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Shadowboxer

Shadowboxer

Feeling Protected Is Very Seductive

200593 minRMidcredits score: 24th percentile of all films
Director
Lee Daniels
Starring
Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren, Vanessa Ferlito, Macy Gray

Mikey and Rose are professional assassins. They are also lovers, and once upon a time Rose also knew Mikey's father. During an elaborate hit job for a malicious gangster, Rose fails to kill the main target, the gangster's pregnant girlfriend. Instead, she delivers her baby and convinces Mikey to help her protect them both. As Rose weakens from cancer, Mikey becomes breadwinner for this unusual family. But tranquility will not last.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Shadowboxer?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Shadowboxer 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 Shadowboxer?

Shadowboxer earns 2 badges, led by Award Winner and Unsettling.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Shadowboxer worth watching?

Shadowboxer's Midcredits score is the 24th percentile of all films, from 8.7K ratings across 6 sources. 37% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

24th percentile

Better received than 24% of films

38th percentile among Action24th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)18th
Approval (how many liked it)33rd

51 /100

18th percentile of all films

30th percentile among Action19th percentile among 2000s

Critics 33 · Audience 52

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.7 — solid but not unanimous.

37% liked it

33rd percentile of all films

48th percentile among Action31st percentile among 2000s
37% rated it 7–1063% rated it 1–6

Critics 17% · Audience 38%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 2 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

71st percentile

8.7K ratings across platforms

57th percentile among Action63rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$103K
Domestic gross$371K
Worldwide gross$520K

30th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film features strong performances from a talented cast, particularly Helen Mirren and Cuba Gooding Jr., but is undermined by a muddled and derivative story.

Fans praised

  • strong cast with believable chemistry between Gooding and Mirren
  • raw, unpredictable story that breaks conventional rules
  • effective moments of quiet beauty and emotional impact

Detractors panned

  • incoherent plot with unconnected points and shallow characters
  • gratuitous sex scenes that add nothing to the story
  • pretentious and derivative, imitating better films

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

strong performances elevate weak material, especially Mirren and Gooding

Emotional impactDivisive55

superb emotional impact for fans, fails to connect for detractors

Dialogue45

some effective lines but also pretentious trash talk

CinematographyDivisive45

hazy, diffused visuals that some find manipulative and cloying

OriginalityDivisive40

unpredictable and rule-breaking to fans, derivative to critics

EndingDivisive40

predictable ending that is satisfying to some, tame to others

Plot and storyDivisive35

incoherent and muddled story with incongruities

CharactersDivisive30

one-dimensional roles with inconsistent motivations

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Shadowboxer like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadBittersweet
Heaviest: middle
Dark humor
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 7% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its violent, melodramatic story straight, blending brutality with moments of tenderness.
The rideSustained tension and dread dominate, punctuated by moments of grim tenderness and violence, with the emotional weight peaking during the middle sequences involving Rose and Vicki.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the contract to the final confrontation and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe final line from the child suggests the cycle of violence continues, leaving a deeply unsettling feeling and provoking thought about redemption and inherited violence.
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).Rebirth
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%: 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% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

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

Why this archetypeMikey, a contract killer, is hired to murder Vicki but instead becomes her protector, undergoing a moral transformation from cold assassin to surrogate father, which fits the redemption subtype of rebirth. The mob boss Clayton serves as the monster to be overcome.

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 filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · 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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film circles Mikey's attempts to redeem himself from a life of killing through his connection with Vicki and her child, while Rose's self‑sacrifice underscores the theme of choosing a better path.
StanceThe film asks whether someone steeped in violence can truly redeem themselves, raising the question without offering a clear moral answer.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanSuburbanDomesticStylized realism
ElectronicAmbientSupportive music · original score · Mario Grigorov
SettingA shadowy criminal underworld moving between Clayton's mansion and modest safe houses.
MusicThe score mixes moody electronic textures with ambient passages that underline the film's uneasy silence and bursts of violence.

Content guide

Is Shadowboxer okay for kids?

R

Shadowboxer is rated R: “Rated R for strong graphic violence and sexuality, nudity, language and some drug use” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (100/100), sexual content at intense (67/100), language at intense (78/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at severe (100/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • UK18
  • Germany16
Overall
Severe · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (25 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 Shadowboxer have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Shadowboxer?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Cuba Gooding Jr.
as Mikey
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.
Helen Mirren
as Rose
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.
Vanessa Ferlito
as Vicki
Macy Gray
as Neisha
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
as Dr. Don
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Stephen Dorff
as Clayton Mayfield
Mo'Nique
as Precious
Tom Pasch
as Andrew
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ryan Eric Speise
as Anthony (age 3)
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Matt Higgins
as Eddie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Shadowboxer?

Movies like Shadowboxer include Proud Mary (2018), Monster's Ball (2001) and Galveston (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories about hitmen, and half are redemption stories.

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

7 of these 12 share its story type: gangster. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

445 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: hitman. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.