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Thriller

Slow Machine (2021): Cast, Ratings & Where to Watch

Slow Machine (2021) movie poster

Slow Machine is a 2021 thriller directed by Joe Denardo and Paul Felten, starring Stephanie Hayes as Stephanie, Eleanor Friedberger and Catherine Cohen. It runs 1 hour 12 minutes. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Stream it on MUBI, or rent or buy it on Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
Echo Score
61
Metascore
88
Slow Machine (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 12m (72 min)
Directors
Joe Denardo and Paul Felten
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Slow Machine About?

The premise of Slow Machine without spoilers.

Actress Stephanie’s passionate relationship with NYPD counter-terrorism specialist Gerard takes a dangerous turn. Seeking escape from the escalating turmoil, she finds herself unexpectedly sheltered in the upstate New York home of Eleanor Friedberger. There, she confronts the lingering effects of a difficult past, as unsettling memories and hidden truths begin to surface, threatening to overwhelm her.

Slow Machine Themes & Keywords

· 9 tags
  • female protagonist
  • flashback
  • police officer
  • reading a book
  • nosebleed
  • blood
  • drunk
  • actress shares first name with character
  • actor shares first name with character
Where to watch

Where to Watch Slow Machine

Stream it on MUBI, or rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Slow Machine Cast & Characters

Stephanie Hayes leads the cast as Stephanie, with Eleanor Friedberger as Eleanor and Catherine Cohen as Cretinous Roommate. Directed by Joe Denardo and Paul Felten; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Slow Machine

· 6 more
Ratings

Slow Machine Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Slow Machine 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 61/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in story & flow (45).

61 /100

Slow Machine Echo Score Breakdown

Slow Machine elicits a polarized response, with critics praising its daring visual style and thematic ambition while viewers highlight narrative disarray and uneven focus. The film’s lo‑fi aesthetics and experimental tone are frequently admired, yet its fragmented storytelling and unclear character motivations limit broader appeal. Consequently, the work registers as an intriguing but imperfect piece that rewards a niche audience.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film’s 16mm lo‑fi aesthetic and experimental composition receive commendation for their originality. Critics note the striking use of atmospheric imagery, but also point to moments where the visual intent feels unfocused. The mixed feedback suggests competent artistry hampered by inconsistent execution.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When evaluating character work, reviewers acknowledge nuanced performances and compelling monologues that convey paranoia and introspection. The odd‑ball character study is praised for its depth, though some critics observe a lack of clear emotional grounding. Overall, the acting contributes positively, albeit without a uniformly resonant impact.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The narrative structure draws criticism for its fragmented pacing and genre‑blending that never settles. Critics describe the plot as confounding and the timeline as fuzzy, echoing user concerns about pointless tangents. While some appreciate the daring shift between thriller, comedy, and drama, the overall coherence suffers, resulting in a weaker story rating.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    Sensory elements such as sound design and visual style are highlighted as the film’s strongest assets. Reviewers commend the atmospheric soundtrack, experimental soundscapes, and cohesive visual mood that enhance the surreal experience. Positive remarks dominate this aspect, indicating that the sensory presentation effectively supports the film’s offbeat tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch potential is seen as moderate; the film’s intriguing concepts and striking aesthetics invite repeat viewings for deeper analysis. However, the narrative’s opacity and uneven focus deter broader repeat engagement. The balance of curiosity‑driven re‑engagement and structural fatigue leads to an average rewatch factor.

Videos

Slow Machine Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Slow Machine.

Slow Machine | Official Trailer

Seen Slow Machine?

FAQ

Slow Machine FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Slow Machine, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Slow Machine?

Slow Machine runs 1 hour 12 minutes (72 minutes).

When was Slow Machine released?

Slow Machine was released on June 4, 2021.

Who directed Slow Machine?

Slow Machine was directed by Joe Denardo and Paul Felten.

More films by Joe Denardo

Who is in the cast of Slow Machine?

Slow Machine stars Stephanie Hayes as Stephanie, Eleanor Friedberger as Eleanor and Catherine Cohen as Cretinous Roommate, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Slow Machine?

In the US, Slow Machine is streaming on MUBI and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store (availability from JustWatch).

How is Slow Machine rated?

Slow Machine has 5.3/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 88 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.

Does Slow Machine have a post-credit scene?

No. Slow Machine has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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