Fantasy Life (2026): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Fantasy Life is a 2026 comedy drama starring Matthew Shear as Sam, Amanda Peet and Alessandro Nivola. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and earned $619,760 worldwide. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 31m (91 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Prospect Avenue
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Fantasy Life About?
The premise of Fantasy Life without spoilers.
After being laid off as a paralegal, Sam Stein suffers a panic attack and takes a job caring for his psychiatrist’s three granddaughters. Actress Dianne, whose career has stalled, is married to bassist David. When David tours abroad, Dianne and Sam forge an unexpected bond while dealing with career frustrations and marital strain.
Fantasy Life Cast & Characters
Matthew Shear leads the cast as Sam, with Amanda Peet as Dianne and Alessandro Nivola as David.
-
Matthew Shear as Sam -
Amanda Peet as Dianne -
Alessandro Nivola as David -
Bob Balaban as Lenny
Also Starring in Fantasy Life
· 16 more- Andrea Martin Helen
- Holland Taylor Dr. Greene
- Judd Hirsch Fred
- Jessica Harper Toby
- Zosia Mamet Jenny
- Sophie von Haselberg Becky
- Roberta Colindrez Jennifer
- Julie Claire Kim
- Sheng Wang Alan
- Riley Vinson Emma
- Max Ryan Burach Eliju Miller-Finman
- Robert Emmet Lunney Sandy
- Alana Raquel Bowers Lauren
- Callie Santoro Claire
- Romy Fay Zoe
- Isabella Werber Tara
Fantasy Life Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Fantasy Life 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in character & emotion (72) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).
Fantasy Life Echo Score Breakdown
Fantasy Life presents a modestly engaging indie dramedy that leans on Amanda Peet's performance and a solid supporting ensemble. Critics note a warm, low‑key directorial approach, while many audience members criticize pacing, visual composition, and a lack of memorable cohesion. The narrative offers occasional moments of charm but often feels drawn out and predictable. Overall, the film delivers limited replay value and fits within a mixed‑to‑negative reception range.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 48
In terms of direction and visual composition, the film shows a low‑key, empathetic style praised by some critics, yet audience feedback highlights awkward camera angles and a disengaging pace. The editing lacks the cohesion needed for sustained narrative flow, contributing to a sense of uneven craftsmanship. Consequently, the artistic execution is viewed as mixed, bordering on underwhelming.
- Character & Emotion 72
When evaluating performances, reviewers consistently commend Amanda Peet and the supporting cast for delivering nuanced, spirited portrayals. Several critics describe the ensemble as providing truth‑filled moments, and users note compelling character interactions. However, a minority of viewers find the protagonists unlikable and the chemistry insufficient. Overall, character work leans toward solid, moderately praised execution.
- Story & Flow 50
The plot’s originality and pacing receive divergent reactions. Critics acknowledge a warm, feel‑good storyline but point out a lack of narrative cohesion. User commentary ranges from praise for an engaging script to criticism of a drawn‑out, predictable arc. This split perception results in a lukewarm assessment of story structure and engagement.
- Sensory Experience 45
Sensory elements such as visual style and sound design are sparsely addressed, with some reviewers noting awkward filming angles and an overall lack of atmospheric depth. The soundtrack and sound design receive little commendation, leading to a perception of a limited sensory impact that falls short of enhancing the viewing experience.
- Rewatch Factor 40
Rewatch potential appears low among audiences, with many describing the film as forgettable and not worth a second viewing. While a few users acknowledge its occasional poignancy, the prevailing sentiment points to insufficient lasting appeal. This consensus yields a modest rewatch factor score reflecting limited desire for repeat engagement.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 82% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 65%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 72 Metascore
User score 6.8
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 62% User score
See on TMDB
Fantasy Life Box Office
Fantasy Life grossed $619,760 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$619.8K
- US & Canada
- $619.8K
Fantasy Life Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Fantasy Life.
Seen Fantasy Life?
Articles About Fantasy Life
Our article about Fantasy Life: “Fantasy Life (2026) Review & Opinions: Critics Reception, Fan Reactions, Performance & Storytelling Analysis”.
-
Opinions
Fantasy Life FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Fantasy Life, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Fantasy Life?
Fantasy Life runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).
When was Fantasy Life released?
Fantasy Life was released on March 27, 2026.
Who is in the cast of Fantasy Life?
Fantasy Life stars Matthew Shear as Sam, Amanda Peet as Dianne and Alessandro Nivola as David, among 20 credited actors.
How much did Fantasy Life make at the box office?
Fantasy Life grossed $619,760 worldwide.
How is Fantasy Life rated?
Fantasy Life has 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.
Does Fantasy Life have a post-credit scene?
No. Fantasy Life has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
