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Thriller

Out of the Blue (2022): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Out of the Blue (2022) movie poster

Out of the Blue is a 2022 thriller directed by Neil LaBute, starring Ray Nicholson as Connor, Hank Azaria and Diane Kruger. Critics gave it 20% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10.

IMDb rating
4.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
20%
Echo Score
40
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Out of the Blue (2022) movie poster
Released
Director
Neil LaBute
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Out of the Blue About?

The premise of Out of the Blue without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A former convict seeks redemption but finds himself drawn into a dangerous web of secrets and deceit. He becomes involved with the captivating yet troubled wife of a powerful and wealthy businessman. Their intense affair unravels hidden truths and exposes a deadly game, jeopardizing their lives and forcing them to confront a past filled with lies.

Out of the Blue Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • older woman younger man relationship
  • cheating wife
  • clothed sex
  • extramarital affair
  • wife plots to kill husband
  • mature woman younger man sex
  • evil wins
  • death of protagonist
  • femme fatale
  • implied physical abuse
  • mature woman seduces younger man
  • single man married woman sex
+38 more
  • stepmother stepdaughter lesbian kiss
  • surprise twist
  • librarian
  • killed by police
  • older woman younger man affair
  • older woman younger man sex
  • text message displayed on screen
  • running from the police
  • neo noir
  • chased by the police
  • woman wears a bathrobe
  • unfaithful wife
  • outdoor sex
  • unfaithfulness
  • murder plot
  • ex convict
  • murder conspiracy
  • parole officer
  • jogging
  • bored housewife
  • evil woman
  • no opening credits
  • betrayal
  • woman with a black eye
  • written by director
  • title co produced by female
  • public library
  • paroled convict
  • erotic thriller
  • conspiracy thriller
  • new england town
  • false accusation
  • implied fellatio
  • sex on a kitchen counter
  • sex on stairs
  • liberty head coin
  • sex in a hot tub
  • face mask
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Cast & crew

Out of the Blue Cast & Characters

Ray Nicholson leads the cast as Connor, with Hank Azaria as Jock and Diane Kruger as Marilyn. Directed by Neil LaBute; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Out of the Blue

· 6 more
From the director

More from Neil LaBute

More films directed by Neil LaBute, best-rated first: In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty, Your Friends & Neighbors and The Shape of Things.

Full filmography
Ratings

Out of the Blue Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Out of the Blue 20% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 40/100, strongest in story & flow (50) and weakest in art & craft (30).

40 /100

Out of the Blue Echo Score Breakdown

Out of the Blue leans heavily toward a negative reception, with most critics and users highlighting its uneven execution and lack of fresh storytelling. While a few acknowledge occasional intrigue in its noir homage and a twist ending, the consensus points to predictable plotting, stilted dialogue, and limited replay value. The film therefore registers a low overall Echo Score reflecting its generally unfavorable appraisal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 30

    In terms of art and craft, the film struggles to elevate its visual and technical elements. Critics note a reliance on familiar noir aesthetics without innovative cinematography or editing, and users describe direction that feels comparable to a high‑school assignment. A handful of reviewers appreciate the classic noir framing, but the dominant view is that production design fails to impress.

  • Character & Emotion 35

    Character and emotional resonance are largely seen as weak points. Diane Kruger receives occasional praise for presence, yet most reviewers find the supporting cast underdeveloped and performances wooden. Dialogue is described as unnatural, limiting chemistry and depth. While a few critics mention intriguing dynamics beneath the surface, the overall sentiment is that characters lack memorability and emotional impact.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative presents a mixed picture; its noir premise is recognizable but frequently labeled predictable and formulaic. Some reviewers commend an unexpected twist and engaging mystery that sustain interest toward the ending. However, many criticize pacing, a late‑arrival twist, and a story that feels more like an exercise than a complete feature. The balance of criticism and modest praise yields a middle‑range score.

  • Sensory Experience 40

    Sensory experience receives limited attention, with few comments on soundtrack or sound design. The visual style is acknowledged as a conventional noir homage, yet the lack of distinctive audio‑visual flair is noted. Users echo the sentiment of a generic aesthetic, and only occasional remarks suggest a modestly effective color palette. Overall, sensory components are viewed as adequate but unremarkable.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch value is perceived as modest. Some critics and viewers find the film’s twist and noir references enough to merit a second look, while the majority argue that predictable plotting and slow pacing diminish lasting appeal. Positive remarks about mystery and surprise endings are outweighed by comments on boredom and lack of novelty, resulting in a slightly below‑average rewatch factor.

Plot

Out of the Blue Plot Summary

What happens in Out of the Blue from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Connor Bates, portrayed by Ray Nicholson, is a young man grappling with a tumultuous past, living in the confines of his mother’s basement in a quaint yet stifling coastal town in Rhode Island. To make ends meet, he works at the local library, a place he feels fortunate to be employed given his criminal record, which stemmed from a three-year prison sentence for an assault charge. His day-to-day existence involves navigating the complex aisles of books, all while withstanding the relentless scorn of his probation officer, Jock (Hank Azaria), who seems particularly intent on berating him over every minor infraction, including lateness. However, amidst these challenges, Connor finds solace in his passion for jogging, utilizing the scenic coastal paths to run off his pent-up emotions.

Full summary

The whole story of Out of the Blue, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Out of the Blue Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Out of the Blue.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Out of the Blue?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Connor Bates's job in the movie?

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FAQ

Out of the Blue FAQ: Cast, Release Date & Director

Release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Out of the Blue, each answered in a sentence.

When was Out of the Blue released?

Out of the Blue was released on August 26, 2022.

Who directed Out of the Blue?

Out of the Blue was directed by Neil LaBute.

More films by Neil LaBute

Who is in the cast of Out of the Blue?

Out of the Blue stars Ray Nicholson as Connor, Hank Azaria as Jock and Diane Kruger as Marilyn, among 10 credited actors.

How is Out of the Blue rated?

Out of the Blue has 4.4/10 on IMDb, 20% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Out of the Blue have a post-credit scene?

No. Out of the Blue has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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