The Net

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The Net

PG-13

1995

1h 52m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

44%

Tomatometer

59 Reviews

44%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Computer programmer Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock) starts a new freelance gig and, strangely, all her colleagues start dying. Does it have something to do with the mysterious disc she was given? Her suspicions are raised when, during a trip to Mexico, she's seduced by a handsome stranger (Jeremy Northam) intent on locating the same disc. Soon Angela is tangled up in a far-reaching conspiracy that leads to her identity being erased. Can she stop the same thing from happening to her life?

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Critics Consensus

The premise isn't without potential and Sandra Bullock is as likable as ever, but The Net lacks sufficient thrills -- or plausible plot points -- to recommend catching.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The storyline is so convoluted that even the likable Bullock wears out her welcome at the keyboard.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 29, 2024

Full Review

Tom Ryan

The Age (Australia)

While there's suspense aplenty as she pits her computer skills and some old-fashioned ingenuity against the villains, Irwin Winkler's thriller is at best perfunctory in its treatment of character.

Rated: 1/3

Mar 17, 2021

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

A thriller without thrills.

Jan 14, 2011

Full Review

Quentin Falk

Sunday Mirror (UK)

An often powerful powerful techno-thriller.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 17, 2024

Full Review

Todd James

Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)

Despite a vigorous performance from the likeable Bullock, you'll feel like hitting the escape button on The Net in a big hurry.

Rated: 1/5

Mar 29, 2024

Full Review

Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

A romp through mid-90s computer paranoia and identity theft seen through the eyes of the overblown Hollywood thriller.

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 3, 2024

Full Review

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Mitch B

I was on the edge of my seat. Sandra Bullock's performance as Angela Bennet was solid and Dennis Miller's acting was a welcome levity. This is a timely film, I feel, what with how dependent we are all on technology.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

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David F

First of all, this is a solid 1990s thriller. It’s got plot twists and paranoia and villains galore. Second, it is one of the first films that starts to deal with the sort of internet-culture that would eat the world within just a few years. It’s got a tech worker who works from home, uses the abbreviation “IRL”, and features chat rooms as a major part of the plot. Add it all together and this is a very prescient, entertaining action movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

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Jason N

This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. It had a great plot and cast. I enjoy rewatching it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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SkyRo P

"The Net," featuring Sandra Bullock, is an exhilarating film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly questioning whether her character will survive or be caught. Bullock delivers an outstanding performance, showcasing her remarkable talent and solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon. Her dedication to the role highlights her ability to elevate any project she undertakes. However, the film suffers from a weak script that often struggles to maintain coherence. It fails to effectively build on essential plot points and character development, leading to moments that feel rushed and disconnected. A more thoughtful approach to storytelling and character interactions could have significantly improved the screenplay, allowing for a more engaging experience rather than a hurried dive into the sci-fi thriller genre. With more attention to narrative depth, "The Net" could have truly realized its potential.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/14/25

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alan g

This is the movie that started the trend of using adjectives and nouns as verbs. I hate it.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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Kevin P

I saw this back in the day in the cinema, and thought it was pretty good, but not amazing. Worth a watch for a bit of back-dated tech and thrill.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/26/24

Full Review

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Irwin Winkler

Director

Sandra Bullock

Angela Bennett

Jeremy Northam

Jack Devlin

Dennis Miller

Dr. Alan Champion

Diane Baker

Mrs. Bennett

Wendy Gazelle

Ruth Marx

The Net: Official Clip - Virus

2:57

The Net: Official Clip - I Am Angela Bennett

3:02

The Net: Official Clip - It's Finally Over

2:58

The Net: Official Clip - From One Nightmare to the Next

2:59

The Net: Official Clip - Captain America

2:53

The Net: Official Clip - Mozart's Ghost

2:33

The Net: Official Clip - Bob Couldn't Make It

2:29

The Net: Official Clip - An Unsuccessful Getaway

2:57

The Net: Official Clip - Staged Robbery

2:29

The Net: Official Clip - One Of Us

1:45

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Synopsis

Computer programmer Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock) starts a new freelance gig and, strangely, all her colleagues start dying. Does it have something to do with the mysterious disc she was given? Her suspicions are raised when, during a trip to Mexico, she's seduced by a handsome stranger (Jeremy Northam) intent on locating the same disc. Soon Angela is tangled up in a far-reaching conspiracy that leads to her identity being erased. Can she stop the same thing from happening to her life?

Director: Irwin Winkler
Producer: Irwin Winkler, Rob Cowan
Screenwriter: John D. Brancato, Michael Ferris
Production Co: Winkler Films, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 26, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $49.4M
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Surround

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