Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Sci-fi thriller

Stowaway (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Stowaway (2021) movie poster

Stowaway is a 2021 sci-fi thriller directed by Joe Penna, starring Toni Collette as Marina Barnett, Daniel Dae Kim and Anna Kendrick. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes and earned $30,556 worldwide on a $10 million budget. Critics gave it 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
worldwide gross
$30.6K
Echo Score
50
Metascore
63
Loading streaming availability…
Stowaway (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Director
Joe Penna
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
Budget
$10M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Stowaway About?

The premise of Stowaway without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A resourceful and haunted young woman finds her life turned upside down when the luxury yacht she’s inherited is hijacked by ruthless thieves. Now trapped at sea with no clear escape, she is forced to confront her troubled past while fighting for survival. She cleverly transforms from a vulnerable target into a formidable adversary, using her cunning and determination to outwit the invaders and reclaim control of the vessel.

Stowaway Themes & Keywords

· 35 tags
  • arm cast
  • takeoff
  • data entry
  • bleeding
  • algae
  • space
  • spaceship
  • space exploration
  • mars
  • infirmary
  • space suit
  • panic attack
+23 more
  • chopsticks
  • oxygen
  • bare chested male
  • survival
  • space adventure
  • series
  • trapped in space
  • launch
  • science laboratory
  • astronaut
  • earth viewed from space
  • oxygen mask
  • co2 scrubber
  • stowaway
  • blood sample
  • artificial gravity
  • outer space
  • space sci fi
  • 2020s
  • 21st century
  • martyrdom
  • self sacrifice
  • female self sacrifice
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Stowaway Cast & Characters

Toni Collette leads the cast as Marina Barnett, with Daniel Dae Kim as David Kim and Anna Kendrick as Zoe Levenson. Directed by Joe Penna; 6 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Stowaway

· 2 more
From the director

More from Joe Penna

More films directed by Joe Penna, best-rated first: Arctic, Turning Point and Beyond.

Full filmography
Ratings

Stowaway Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Stowaway 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in story & flow (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

50 /100

Stowaway Echo Score Breakdown

Stowaway presents a fundamentally mixed experience that balances deliberate tension against notable shortcomings. Several viewers appreciated moments of effective drama and the moral crisis at its core, but many critics and users pointed out sluggish pacing and predictable plot developments. Performances by established actors garnered praise from some, even as others criticized uneven deliveries and character depth. Technical aspects like editing and visual effects also sparked divided opinions. Ultimately, you should expect a modestly engaging but uneven space thriller.

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

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of art and craft, Stowaway’s visual execution and editing draw mixed reactions. Some reviewers pointed out inconsistent pacing choices and repetitive shot selections that undermined narrative momentum. Conversely, a few viewers acknowledged instances of grounded production design that supported the film’s claustrophobic setting. Despite these strengths, technical limitations tether the overall visual presentation. On the whole, the film’s art and craft come across as serviceable but uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    In terms of character and emotion, performances in Stowaway variably engage. Several observers praised established actors for bringing restrained conviction to the moral dilemma, while others felt lead portrayals lacked consistent emotional depth. Character development receives critique for predictability and uneven chemistry across the ensemble. Although moments of authentic resonance emerge, the overall emotional connection is inconsistent. The film’s characters ultimately leave a mixed impression rather than sustained rapport.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Stowaway is hindered by its deliberate pacing and familiar narrative turns. Critics and users noted that the plot often feels predictable and sometimes meanders without adding tension. Yet a portion of the audience found the central moral predicament engaging enough to hold interest. While the premise offers thematic intrigue, story coherence and originality remain uneven. The result is a functional but uninspired narrative arc.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    In terms of sensory experience, reactions to Stowaway’s technical design are mixed. Some critics and users highlighted the low-budget special effects and repetitive aerial footage as detracting from immersion. Conversely, the film’s restrained musical score received occasional praise for complementing the tense atmosphere without overwhelming the scenes. Although sound design shows competence, visual consistency and spectacle remain modest. Overall, the sensory elements support the story unevenly rather than elevate it.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    In terms of rewatch factor, Stowaway offers limited repeat appeal for most viewers. While some appreciate the moral dilemma and nuanced moments enough to consider a second viewing, others find the slow pacing and predictable progression reduce incentives to return. The film lacks significant new discoveries upon subsequent watchings, with visual and narrative elements remaining largely unchanged. As a result, the likelihood of sustained reengagement is modest rather than compelling.

Plot

Stowaway Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Stowaway from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The crew of the MTS-42 is on a pivotal journey to Mars, comprising commander Marina Barnett (played by Toni Collette), biologist David Kim (portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim), and medical researcher Zoe Levenson (acted by Anna Kendrick). As the mission launches, Marina notices a slight underperformance in the ship’s main engines; however, Hyperion’s mission control reassures her that there is enough fuel to counteract the issue. Driven by her instincts, she holds off on using the final abort window, aware that this is her third and last mission after two previous ones.

Full summary

The whole story of Stowaway, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Stowaway Box Office & Budget

Stowaway grossed $30,556 worldwide on a $10 million budget.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$30.6K

International
$30.6K
Budget
$10M
Videos

Stowaway Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Stowaway.

Stowaway | Official Trailer | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Stowaway?

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

Who is the commander and pilot of the spacecraft?

Details

Stowaway Also Known As

25 alternative titles, including “Безбилетный пассажир” and “密航者”.

Also known as
  • Безбилетный пассажир
  • 密航者
  • Stowaway - Blinder Passagier
  • 偷渡者
  • Le Passager nº4
  • Дальний космос
  • 스토어웨이
  • Estraneo a bordo
  • Passageiro Acidental
  • Polizón
  • Utajený pasažér
  • Pasażer nr 4
+13 more
  • A potyautas
  • Kaçak Yolcu
  • Slijepi putnik
  • Λαθρεπιβάτης
  • הנוסע הסמוי
  • Далекий космос
  • Pasajero inesperado
  • Gili erdvė
  • ภารกิจสู่ดาวอังคาร, უბილეთო მგზავრი
  • مسافر قاچاق
  • Таен пътник
  • Kaasreisija
  • Pasagerul clandestin

Seen Stowaway?

More like this

Movies Like Stowaway

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Stowaway, The Stowaway and Spacejacked.

FAQ

Stowaway FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Stowaway?

Stowaway runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was Stowaway released?

Stowaway was released on April 22, 2021.

Who directed Stowaway?

Stowaway was directed by Joe Penna.

More films by Joe Penna

Who is in the cast of Stowaway?

Stowaway stars Toni Collette as Marina Barnett, Daniel Dae Kim as David Kim and Anna Kendrick as Zoe Levenson, among 6 credited actors.

How much did Stowaway make at the box office?

Stowaway grossed $30,556 worldwide on a budget of $10 million.

How is Stowaway rated?

Stowaway has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 63 on Metacritic, 60% on TMDB and 2.8/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Stowaway have a post-credit scene?

No. Stowaway 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