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Action drama

Samson (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Samson (2018) movie poster

Samson is a 2018 action drama directed by Bruce MacDonald and Gabriel Sabloff, starring Taylor James as Samson, Billy Zane and Jackson Rathbone. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes and earned $4.9 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget. Critics gave it 27% on Rotten Tomatoes and 17 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.5/10.

IMDb rating
4.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
27%
worldwide gross
$4.9M
Echo Score
36
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Samson (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Genres
Action , Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$3.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Samson About?

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

A powerful and passionate man, Samson’s desire for strength leads him into a destructive marriage and a fierce battle against the Philistines. As he seeks vengeance, his loyalty is tested by a captivating Philistine woman, creating internal conflict. Ultimately, he must confront his destiny, facing imprisonment and finding an unexpected path to victory through faith and divine intervention.

Samson Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • biblical
  • jew
  • soldier
  • betrayal
  • hero
  • wedding
  • battlefield
  • pureflix
  • indoctrination
  • muscleman
  • torture
  • bare chested male bondage
+38 more
  • israel
  • fight
  • death
  • guard
  • dictator
  • evil king
  • good versus evil
  • violence
  • lion
  • hair
  • brawl
  • pagan
  • warrior
  • blinding
  • faith
  • humiliation
  • riddle
  • seduction
  • david versus goliath
  • incarceration
  • theft
  • femme fatale
  • prince
  • evil prince
  • temple
  • building collapse
  • revenge
  • marriage ceremony
  • oppression
  • superhuman strength
  • idol
  • bible story
  • religious differences
  • old testament
  • book of judges
  • judges
  • reference to the philistines
  • drugged
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Cast & crew

Samson Cast & Characters

Taylor James leads the cast as Samson, with Billy Zane as King Balek and Jackson Rathbone as Rallah. Directed by Bruce MacDonald and Gabriel Sabloff; 13 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Samson Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Samson 27% on Rotten Tomatoes and 17 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 36/100, strongest in rewatch factor (45) and weakest in character & emotion (30).

36 /100

Samson Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of its overall presentation, Samson struggles to deliver a cohesive cinematic experience. Reviews note that the direction and cinematography often feel flat and the special effects come across as unconvincing. The pacing and narrative momentum are further hampered by uneven editing and a lack of story arc. While some viewers appreciate its action sequences, the film ultimately falls short of a consistently engaging epic.

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 direction and visual craft, Samson frequently comes across as flat and underdeveloped. Critics describe the cinematography as lacking dynamic composition, and the special effects are often deemed unconvincing. Although the production design attempts authenticity through rustic sets and costumes, the editing rarely builds momentum. Overall, the technical elements combine into an underwhelming presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 30

    When it comes to acting and emotional resonance, Samson exhibits uneven performances that hamper character depth. Reviews highlight that the central portrayal often relies on physicality rather than nuance, and key relationships receive limited development. While a few supporting performers inject brief intensity, the dialogue and emotional stakes rarely coalesce. Consequently, the film struggles to create compelling connections with its characters.

  • Story & Flow 40

    In terms of plot and narrative progression, Samson is hindered by sluggish pacing and a perfunctory approach to its source material. Critics note that the film lurches between key events without developing genuine momentum or thematic depth. Although some viewers appreciate the emphasis on action set pieces, the romantic and dramatic beats feel underdeveloped. Overall, the story remains a broadly sketched epic with limited engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 35

    When evaluating its sensory elements, Samson presents a mix of functional sound design and inconsistent visual flair. The score and soundtrack often resemble television cues rather than cinematic themes, and the CGI work is generally viewed as cheapjack. However, the sound effects in action sequences occasionally provide excitement. In the end, the film’s sensory aspects fail to sustain an immersive atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Regarding its replay potential, Samson offers sporadic enjoyment for audiences drawn to its B-movie charm but limited appeal beyond novelty viewings. A segment of viewers reports amusement in repeated viewings of the over-the-top action sequences and campy dialogue. However, the film’s uneven tone and lack of depth discourage broader re-engagement. As a result, the movie’s lasting appeal remains modest and niche.

Plot

Samson Plot Summary

What happens in Samson from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

A Hebrew man endowed with an extraordinary gift of strength faces the challenge of fulfilling his divine calling to liberate his people from oppression. Set in 1170 BC, the Philistines exert ruthless control over the Hebrews in Gaza, enslaving them and imposing heavy taxes.

King Balek, portrayed by Billy Zane, commands his son Rallah, played by Jackson Rathbone, to capture the increasingly formidable Samson, who is feared for his rumored strength, as Balek aims to crush any hope of Hebrew rebellion. Rallah enlists the help of a Philistine brute to draw Samson out, but soon finds himself tangled in a web of intrigue, especially when he notices Samson’s fascination with Taren, depicted by Frances Sholto-Douglas.

Full summary

The whole story of Samson, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Samson Box Office & Budget

Samson grossed $4.9 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget, 1.4 times what it cost. $4.7 million came from the US and Canada and $153,897 (3%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.9M

1.4× its budget

US & Canada
$4.7M
International
$153.9K
Budget
$3.5M
US & Canada 97% Rest of the world 3%
Videos

Samson Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 1 trailer, 3 teasers and 1 featurette.

Samson - Official Trailer (2018)
  • Teaser Samson Teaser Trailer (Official) 2018
  • Teaser SAMSON – Betrayed by Love, Redeemed by God.
  • Teaser Samson - Home Entertainment Trailer
  • Featurette Samson - Ministry Endorsement Featurette
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Samson?

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 the historical setting of the movie 'Samson'?

Details

Samson Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “Sansón” and “Самсон”.

Also known as
  • Sansón
  • Самсон
  • 삼손
  • Sámson
  • שמשון
  • 参孙
  • Sansão
  • Samson - Der Auserwählte
  • Der Verratene
  • Der Triumphator
  • Nepřemožitelný Samson
  • Samson - La vera storia di Sansone
+3 more
  • แซมซั่น โคตรคนจอมพลัง
  • Thủ Lĩnh Samson
  • Samsonas

Seen Samson?

FAQ

Samson FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Samson, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Samson?

Samson runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Samson released?

Samson was released on February 16, 2018.

Who directed Samson?

Samson was directed by Bruce MacDonald and Gabriel Sabloff.

More films by Bruce MacDonald

Who is in the cast of Samson?

Samson stars Taylor James as Samson, Billy Zane as King Balek and Jackson Rathbone as Rallah, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Samson make at the box office?

Samson grossed $4.9 million worldwide ($4.7 million domestic, $153,897 international) on a budget of $3.5 million.

How is Samson rated?

Samson has 4.5/10 on IMDb, 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, 17 on Metacritic and 57% on TMDB.

Does Samson have a post-credit scene?

No. Samson has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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