Robot & Frank
A retired cat burglar recruits his robot caretaker for one last scheme while confronting the fragile boundaries between independence, memory, and care.
Overview
An unlikely partnership emerges between a retired thief and his robotic caretaker, leading to unexpected adventures.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- warm
- bittersweet
- quiet evening
- reflective movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film charming, thoughtful, and well acted, especially praising Frank Langella while valuing its meditation on aging and human frailty.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The robot caretaker exposes Frank's loss of autonomy and the difficult choices surrounding elder care.
Frank's attempt to resume cat burglary connects his criminal past with his struggle against cognitive decline.
Frank and the robot form an emotionally significant bond while working together on burglaries.
The care robot and changing social landscape are presented through an understated, accessible independent-film aesthetic.
Films like Robot & Frank, and why
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
near future science fiction, human robot companionship, and gentle meditation on aging
Robot & Frank
warm speculative drama centered on aging, memory, and an unconventional friendship
Safety Not Guaranteed
quirky independent science fiction comedy balancing emotional intimacy with technological unease
The Father
older protagonist, memory loss, and a compassionate relationship framed through understated drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Jake Schreier
- Release Date
- 2012-08-24
- Runtime
- 89 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (1200)
Cast
- Frank Langella
- Liv Tyler
- James Marsden
- Susan Sarandon
- Peter Sarsgaard
- Jeremy Strong
- Jeremy Sisto
- Bonnie Bentley
- Dario Barosso
- Rachael Ma
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Robot & Frank about?
- A retired cat burglar recruits his robot caretaker for one last scheme while confronting the fragile boundaries between independence, memory, and care.
- What is Robot & Frank like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Robot & Frank as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Robot & Frank violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Robot & Frank as mild.
- What did critics think of Robot & Frank?
- Critics broadly found the film charming, thoughtful, and well acted, especially praising Frank Langella while valuing its meditation on aging and human frailty.
- Which films are like Robot & Frank?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Robot & Frank, Safety Not Guaranteed, and The Father.
- How long is Robot & Frank?
- Robot & Frank runs 89 minutes.
- Where can I watch Robot & Frank?
- In United States, Robot & Frank streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel.
