Equals

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2:18

Equals

PG-13

Released Jul 15, 2016

1h 41m

Sci-Fi

Romance

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

36%

Tomatometer

86 Reviews

43%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Nia (Kristen Stewart) and Silas work together in a futuristic society known as the Collective. A seemingly utopian world, the Collective has ended crime and violence by genetically eliminating all human emotions. Despite this, Nia and Silas develop a growing attraction that leads to a forbidden and passionate romance. As suspicion begins to mount among their superiors, the couple must choose between going back to the safety of their lives or risking it all to try and pull off a daring escape.

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Critics Consensus

Equals is a treat for the eyes, but its futuristic aesthetic isn't enough to make up for its plodding pace and aimlessly derivative story.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Equals boasts] stunning cinematography, futuristic effects, and an impossibly controlled narrative.

Rated: B

Mar 21, 2017

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Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

You admire the look and the performances, and some interesting ideas are presented, but everything feels muted and predictable and lacking in spark.

Rated: 2/4

Jul 22, 2016

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

As stiff and rigid as two equals signs, "Equals" is a bland sci-fi romance that is as dull as its scrubbed-clean visual aesthetic.

Rated: C-

Jul 22, 2016

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

In a film centered on characters being overwhelmed by stirring emotions, that reaction does not transfer successfully to the audience.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 14, 2022

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

While the narrative recalls countless works and plays out in ways you'll surely see coming, Doremus' production deserves top marks for its visual and technical package.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 11, 2022

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Jason Adams

The Film Experience

You've never seen skin as devastatingly luminescent as Hoult's here

Jan 14, 2022

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D P

So, this was inspired by '1984' by George Orwell, yes? With a touch of Brave New World? It feels very inspired to me. Anyway, they finally found a character that Kristen Stewart can play without using any acting skills. Very nice.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/12/25

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Amy T

Watching people trying to navigate an "emotionless" society was interesting. There is really no way to suppress human emotion, no matter how hard you try, particularly love. This was a beautifully made and well-acted movie. However, I can see why it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. It's not my favorite Kristen Stewart movie, but it's worth a watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Ti H.

I love this sci-fi reflection on a world where emotion is banned. Kristin Stewart delivers an emotional experience. Awesome movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/19/25

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Audrey d

An extremely underrated film. It's message and raw stirring of connection is much needed in today's world. It is a work of art, shows passion without being inappropriate while also stirring passion for living life to the full. a unique dystopian story done in a new way. I appreciate it a lot.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/15/25

Full Review

Jackson S

My favorite film of all time is The Giver. If you like that story and/or other similar dystopian films with signs of hope and rebellion, you will love this film. While most of it is dedicated to setting up the rigid setting, the light romance is perfectly fitting of two people grasping with new emotions. For the first quarter of the film I was wondering when things were going to fall apart as they often do with these sorts of movies, but not long after I stopped thinking of anything else but the film I was watching, which is a rare thing nowadays, what with all of the constant distractions at our disposal.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/13/25

Full Review

John R

Scary film, as it gives a picture of what the future could be. Not a happy ending.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/04/25

Full Review

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Drake Doremus

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Equals: Trailer 1

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Equals: Teaser Trailer 1

1:31

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Synopsis

Nia (Kristen Stewart) and Silas work together in a futuristic society known as the Collective. A seemingly utopian world, the Collective has ended crime and violence by genetically eliminating all human emotions. Despite this, Nia and Silas develop a growing attraction that leads to a forbidden and passionate romance. As suspicion begins to mount among their superiors, the couple must choose between going back to the safety of their lives or risking it all to try and pull off a daring escape.

Director: Drake Doremus
Producer: Michael Schaefer, Michael A. Pruss, Ann Ruark, Chip Diggins, Jay Stern
Screenwriter: Nathan Parker
Distributor: A24
Production Co: E1 Entertainment, Scott Free Productions, Route One Entertainment, Union Investment Partners
Rating: PG-13 (Partial Nudity|Disturbing Images|Sensuality|Thematic Content)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 15, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 18, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.1K
Runtime: 1h 41m

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