Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Foxcatcher

Play trailer 1:01 Poster for Foxcatcher R 2014 2h 14m Drama Crime Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 250 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
When wealthy John du Pont (Steve Carell) invites Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to move to his estate and help form a wrestling team for the 1988 Olympics, Mark sees a way to step out of the shadow of his charismatic brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). However, du Pont begins to lead Mark down a dark road, causing the athlete's self-esteem to slip. Meanwhile, du Pont becomes fixated on bringing Dave into the fold, eventually propelling all three toward an unforeseen tragedy.
Watch on Fandango at Home Stream Now

Where to Watch

Foxcatcher

Foxcatcher

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A chilling true crime drama, Foxcatcher offers Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum a chance to shine -- and all three of them rise to the challenge.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More
Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online 09/01/2017
B-
While the acting is mostly impressive, the ending of the film leaves much to be desired as screenwriters E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman's script simply flutters to a close without much of an impact. Go to Full Review
Jason Bailey Flavorwire 06/18/2016
In the back hour, the music quietly turns the screws, and Miller stops letting the air in, and I realized that a knot had formed in my chest. Go to Full Review
Jocelyn Noveck Associated Press 12/11/2015
[Miller] is equally adept at portraying the peculiarities of wrestling here, and how those physical moves -- beautifully choreographed and executed -- sync with deeper psychological currents. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Apr 29
The stylized drama is at once oddly intimate and creepily voyeuristic and Carrell’s performance both unsettling and somewhat unsatisfying. Go to Full Review
Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson 10/13/2024
3/5
Without a doubt, the effort and the talent is there in front of and behind the camera, but, somewhere, this film drowned itself out and lost the core of what really mattered. Go to Full Review
Roberto Tyler Ortiz Loud and Clear Reviews 09/21/2024
5/5
In 21st-century cinema, Foxcatcher emerges not merely as a film, but as a haunting exploration of ambition, power, and the dark undercurrents of the American Dream. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
David L Dec 1 "Foxcatcher" is an emerging and haunting exploration of ambition, power, and the dark undercurrents of the American Dream. Directed by Bennett Miller, the movie masterfully intertwines the personal and the political, resulting in a narrative that is as unsettling as it is profound. Its meticulous attention to psychological detail, coupled with its unflinching portrayal of real-life tragedy, makes it a standout in modern cinema, earning its place among the greatest films of our time. From the outset, the film immerses the audience in a world of isolation and quiet desperation. The film tells the true story of Olympic wrestlers Mark (Channing Tatum) and Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) and their complex relationship with wealthy benefactor John du Pont (Steve Carell). As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Foxcatcher is not just about wrestling or sports, but also about the toxic allure of power and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve greatness—or at least the illusion of it. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow and methodical, mirroring the psychological unraveling of its characters and drawing viewers into a tense and almost claustrophobic experience. The film’s triumph lies in its character studies, which are brought to life through remarkable performances. Steve Carell’s transformation into John du Pont is nothing short of extraordinary. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Carell delivers a chilling portrayal of du Pont, embodying his delusions of grandeur and deep-seated insecurities. His performance is a masterclass in restraint, with every gesture and glance hinting at the turmoil beneath the surface. Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum, as Dave and Mark Schultz respectively, offer equally compelling performances, bringing depth and vulnerability to their roles. Ruffalo’s quiet strength contrasts with Tatum’s brooding intensity, creating a dynamic that is both compelling and tragic. The craft is also a visual triumph. Cinematographer Greig Fraser captures the bleakness of the du Pont estate and the sterile, oppressive atmosphere that pervades the film. The muted color palette and sparse landscapes reflect the emotional barrenness of the characters, enhancing the film’s underlying sense of dread. Each shot is meticulously composed, with the camera often lingering on faces and spaces, forcing the audience to confront the discomfort and tension that permeates the narrative. The film delves into the dark side of the American Dream, challenging the notion that success and wealth are inherently noble pursuits. Du Pont’s obsession with greatness, coupled with his belief that money can buy respect and legacy, serves as a stark critique of a society that equates material success with personal worth. The film’s exploration of identity, power, and control is both timely and timeless, resonating with audiences who have witnessed the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. Moreover, Bennett Miller’s direction ensures that the movie remains a deeply human story, despite its broader sociopolitical implications. Miller resists the temptation to sensationalize the events, instead opting for a more nuanced and contemplative approach. This allows the film to maintain its emotional impact, as it slowly builds toward its inevitable, tragic conclusion. The tension that simmers throughout the film culminates in a final act that is both shocking and devastating, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. "Foxcatcher" is a film that demands to be seen not only for its gripping narrative and outstanding performances but also for its profound commentary on the human condition. In an era where cinema is often dominated by spectacle and superficiality, the movie stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of examining the darker aspects of our collective psyche. This movie is truly something special, not just for its technical and artistic achievements, but for its unflinching exploration of the complex, often troubling nature of ambition and power. "Foxcatcher" is a stark, unsettling mirror held up to the American Dream. Through its masterful direction, stunning performances, and profound themes, it not only captivates but also challenges the viewer to consider the costs of obsession and the true meaning of success. As a cinematic achievement, Foxcatcher is a modern masterpiece, Its haunting portrayal of ambition and power leaves a lasting impact, challenging us to reflect on the darker aspects of the human condition long after the credits roll. See more Ava S Nov 18 It’s clear Foxcatcher was shaped around its sensational true-life ending, as the rest plays out like a fairly standard sports drama. See more Gareth v Aug 8 A chilling, slow-burn true-crime drama driven by unsettling performances. The film moves at a deliberate, almost suffocating pace, allowing the tension to creep under your skin. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Jul 28 Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, a história é fraca, o elenco é mais ou menos, e poucos ajudam a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom, e só as atuações foram boas para o filme See more Patrick G. @wastrre Jul 22 8.2/10 Pretty wild but what makes this good is the true storiness See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 7 Success in 2 hours and 14 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Some Drug Use and A Scene of Violence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $12,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Read all reviews
Foxcatcher

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW
Lawless 67% 74% Lawless Watchlist American Hustle 92% 74% American Hustle Watchlist The Gambler 43% 31% The Gambler Watchlist The Drop 88% 76% The Drop Watchlist Rampart 74% 35% Rampart Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis When wealthy John du Pont (Steve Carell) invites Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to move to his estate and help form a wrestling team for the 1988 Olympics, Mark sees a way to step out of the shadow of his charismatic brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). However, du Pont begins to lead Mark down a dark road, causing the athlete's self-esteem to slip. Meanwhile, du Pont becomes fixated on bringing Dave into the fold, eventually propelling all three toward an unforeseen tragedy.
Director
Bennett Miller
Producer
Megan Ellison, Bennett Miller, Jon Kilik, Anthony Bregman
Screenwriter
E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Likely Story, Annapurna Pictures
Rating
R (Some Drug Use|A Scene of Violence)
Genre
Drama, Crime
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 14, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$12.1M
Runtime
2h 14m
Sound Mix
Datasat, Dolby Digital
Most Popular at Home Now