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Comedy drama

Fantasy Life (2026): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Fantasy Life (2026) movie poster

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.

Rotten Tomatoes
82%
worldwide gross
$619.8K
Echo Score
48
Metascore
72
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Fantasy Life (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Genres
Comedy , Drama , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

Fantasy Life Cast & Characters

Matthew Shear leads the cast as Sam, with Amanda Peet as Dianne and Alessandro Nivola as David.

Ratings

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).

48 /100

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.

Box office

Fantasy Life Box Office

Fantasy Life grossed $619,760 worldwide.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$619.8K

US & Canada
$619.8K
Videos

Fantasy Life Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Fantasy Life.

Official Trailer

Seen Fantasy Life?

FAQ

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.

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