The Discovery
After a scientist proves that an afterlife exists, his son and an enigmatic woman become entangled in a dangerous mystery about what lies beyond death.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- melancholic
- eerie
- detached
- late night viewing
- reflective movie night
What critics said
Critics found the afterlife premise and ensemble intriguing but felt the film failed to develop its ideas into a satisfying, emotionally convincing mystery.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dr. Thomas Harbor claims to have scientifically proven that an afterlife exists, making metaphysical belief the film's central speculative engine.
The mystery surrounding Isla, the discovery, and the afterlife produces competing interpretations of which reality the characters inhabit.
The discovery is followed by a massive wave of suicides, turning private existential fear into a collective social crisis.
Will and Isla's relationship develops while both seek answers about death, memory, and the consequences of the discovery.
Films like The Discovery, and why
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
shares speculative science fiction, romantic uncertainty, and emotionally detached characters confronting questions about death and reality
The Adjustment Bureau
shares an enigmatic romance, ambiguous reality, and melancholic exploration of identity and loss
The Leftovers
shares an afterlife premise, philosophical mystery, and intimate drama about grief and human connection
Another Earth
shares cerebral science fiction, alternative realities, and a relationship shaped by existential uncertainty
Movie Details
- Director
- Charlie McDowell
- Release Date
- 2017-03-31
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (1469)
Cast
- Jason Segel
- Rooney Mara
- Robert Redford
- Jesse Plemons
- Riley Keough
- Ron Canada
- Brian McCarthy
- Kimleigh Smith
- M.J. Karmi
- Adam Khaykin
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Discovery about?
- After a scientist proves that an afterlife exists, his son and an enigmatic woman become entangled in a dangerous mystery about what lies beyond death.
- What is The Discovery like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Discovery as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Discovery violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Discovery as mild.
- What did critics think of The Discovery?
- Critics found the afterlife premise and ensemble intriguing but felt the film failed to develop its ideas into a satisfying, emotionally convincing mystery.
- Which films are like The Discovery?
- Films with a similar feel include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Adjustment Bureau, The Leftovers, and Another Earth.
- How long is The Discovery?
- The Discovery runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Discovery?
- In United States, The Discovery streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
