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Unknown

Unknown

200685 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films
Director
Simon Brand
Starring
Jim Caviezel, Greg Kinnear, Bridget Moynahan, Joe Pantoliano

Five men wake up in a locked-down warehouse with no memory of who they are. They are forced to figure out who is good and who is bad to stay alive.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Unknown?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Unknown streaming on STARZ and Tubi (free).

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Unknown?

Unknown earns 6 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Unknown worth watching?

Unknown's Midcredits score is the 53rd percentile of all films, from 39K ratings across 6 sources. 54% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

53rd percentile

Better received than 53% of films

55th percentile among Crime51st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)58th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

48th percentile among Crime46th percentile among 2000s

Critics 44 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

54% liked it

58th percentile of all films

58th percentile among Crime55th percentile among 2000s
54% rated it 7–1046% rated it 1–6

Critics 38% · Audience 54%

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

90th percentile

39K ratings across platforms

87th percentile among Crime84th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 20% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$3.7M
Opening weekend$3.7K
Domestic gross$26K
Worldwide gross$3.4M

Returned 0.9× its budget — 64th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A group of men wake up in a locked warehouse with no memory, forced to figure out who among them is kidnapper and who is victim.

Fans praised

  • Clever premise with amnesia-fueled paranoia and shifting allegiances
  • Strong ensemble cast delivering believable, layered performances
  • Unexpected twists that keep viewers guessing until the end

Detractors panned

  • Plot riddled with logical holes and contrivances
  • Derivative of Reservoir Dogs, Saw, Cube, Memento
  • Pacing drags; police subplot feels padded and unnecessary

What stands out

ActingDivisive72

Strong ensemble delivers believable amnesiac confusion and layered performances

Atmosphere58

Claustrophobic warehouse setting builds paranoia

CharactersDivisive55

Archetypal trapped men; some arcs feel thin or wasted

TensionDivisive55

Good setup but dissipates due to weak logic and pacing

Plot and storyDivisive45

Intriguing premise undermined by contrivances and plot holes

EndingDivisive45

Twists surprise some but feel contrived and overdone

Pacing40

Slow stretches; flashbacks and police subplot drag

Originality35

Heavily derivative of Reservoir Dogs, Saw, Cube, Memento

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 16 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Unknown like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its premise straight, maintaining a tense, moody atmosphere throughout.
The rideSustained tension and dread fill the locked-room mystery, with a heavy emotional climax as betrayals and identity revelations come to a head.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from the moment the men wake up, interspersed with flashbacks as memories return.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe final twist reframes the entire story, leaving the audience to grapple with the protagonist's hidden motives.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).MysteryEnigma
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film is a mystery driven by the characters' lost memories and the need to identify allies and enemies, with a final twist revealing hidden identity.

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 filmsSelfBetrayalMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: 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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · 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

Betrayal · 5% of filmsIdentity · 14% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is driven by broken trust—the central character's double life and affair are acts of betrayal—and the struggle to recover who one really is after memory loss.
StanceThe film observes the moral unraveling of its central character without celebrating or overtly condemning his actions, focusing on the personal cost of betrayal.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Angelo Milli
SettingA locked warehouse where amnesiac kidnappers and victims are trapped
MusicThe score mixes tense strings and ambient textures to reinforce the claustrophobic and disorienting atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Unknown okay for kids?

Not Rated

Unknown is not rated. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at intense (60/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • France12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an unrated film
heavier than 20%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 69%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (32 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 Unknown have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Unknown?

Cast

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

Jim Caviezel
as Jean Jacket
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Greg Kinnear
as Broken Nose
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.
Bridget Moynahan
as Eliza Coles
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Joe Pantoliano
as Bound Man
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Barry Pepper
as Rancher Shirt
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeremy Sisto
as Handcuffed Man
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Peter Stormare
as Snakeskin Boots
Clayne Crawford
as Detective Anderson
Chris Mulkey
as Detective James Curtis
Kevin Chapman
as Detective McGahey
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Unknown?

Movies like Unknown include Oxygen (1999), Zulu (2013) and Infernal Affairs II (2003). Of the 12 closest matches, most are puzzle films, and most are films about law enforcement.

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

6 of these 12 share its story type: chamber drama. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: chamber drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.