Overview
A writer's fantasy becomes a reality, but can love be controlled by words?
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- whimsical
- warm
- date night
- indie film night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film cleverly written and wonderfully acted, with abundant charm and wit despite occasional pacing lags.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Calvin's typed character Ruby becomes physically real and enters his life.
Calvin changes Ruby's behavior by typing commands whenever their relationship fails to match his ideal.
Calvin's novel-writing and manipulation of Ruby externalize his fears about relationships and artistic ownership.
The fantastical typewriter premise unfolds amid recognizable homes, therapy, family visits, and everyday romance.
Films like Ruby Sparks, and why
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
shared magic realism, romantic comedy, and exploration of idealized relationships
The Science of Sleep
shared fantasy romance, self-created idealized partner, and emotionally bittersweet examination of love
Pleasantville
shared witty romantic fantasy, female agency, and critique of controlling male desire
Stranger Than Fiction
shared literary fantasy premise, relationship comedy, and themes of authorship and emotional projection
Movie Details
- Directors
- Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
- Release Date
- 2012-07-25
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (1841)
Cast
- Paul Dano
- Zoe Kazan
- Chris Messina
- Annette Bening
- Antonio Banderas
- Alia Shawkat
- Deborah Ann Woll
- Steve Coogan
- Elliott Gould
- Aasif Mandvi
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV 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 Ruby Sparks about?
- A blocked novelist brings his dream woman to life, only to discover that perfect love becomes monstrous when he can rewrite it.
- What is Ruby Sparks like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ruby Sparks as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Ruby Sparks violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Ruby Sparks.
- What did critics think of Ruby Sparks?
- Critics broadly found the film cleverly written and wonderfully acted, with abundant charm and wit despite occasional pacing lags.
- Which films are like Ruby Sparks?
- Films with a similar feel include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep, Pleasantville, and Stranger Than Fiction.
- How long is Ruby Sparks?
- Ruby Sparks runs 104 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ruby Sparks?
- In United States, Ruby Sparks streams on Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV channel.
