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Sci-fi horror film

Synchronic (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Synchronic (2020) movie poster

Synchronic is a 2020 sci-fi horror film starring Anthony Mackie as Steve, Jamie Dornan and Ally Ioannides. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $1.5 million worldwide on a $3,000 budget. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Bloodstream, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Rotten Tomatoes
78%
worldwide gross
$1.5M
Echo Score
82
Metascore
64
Synchronic (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$3K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Synchronic About?

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

Lifelong friends and New Orleans paramedics Steve and Dennis investigate a series of bizarre incidents seemingly connected to a dangerous new drug. As they delve deeper, they discover the drug allows users to travel through time, creating paradoxes and unleashing terrifying consequences. When events turn personal, Steve must confront a horrifying truth that threatens to unravel the boundaries of reality and forces him to question everything he knows.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Synchronic

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Bloodstream, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Synchronic Cast & Characters

Anthony Mackie leads the cast as Steve, with Jamie Dornan as Dennis and Ally Ioannides as Brianna.

Also Starring in Synchronic

· 15 more
Ratings

Synchronic Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Synchronic 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

82 /100

Synchronic Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Synchronic presents a distinctive time-bending concept supported by immersive visuals and a coherent narrative structure. Critics and users alike note the film’s inventive plot and effective use of location, though pacing irregularities and low-budget production values draw intermittent criticism. Character performances, particularly from lead actors, add emotional grounding despite occasional unevenness in supporting roles. The sensory cohesion of sound and imagery stands out, even as the film’s replay value is tempered by its abrupt resolution. In sum, Synchronic offers a compelling experience with notable impairments.

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

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of cinematography and design, Synchronic delivers a visually engaging presentation with creative framing and a distinctive aesthetic. Reviewers highlight the use of New Orleans locations and hallucinatory imagery, though occasional budgetary constraints result in visible production shortcuts. The measured production design underscores mood effectively, balancing flair with practical limitations.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads deliver nuanced performances that anchor the narrative. Observers commend Anthony Mackie’s layered portrayal and the film’s exploration of socio-historical themes, while noting uneven support from secondary cast members. Emotional resonance emerges most strongly in central relationships, yielding a grounded human core.

  • Story & Flow 85

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents an original time-travel premise that engages through grim thriller elements and socio-historical ideas. Critics appreciate the inventive plot structure, though inconsistent pacing and occasional narrative gaps diminish cohesion. Despite some underwhelming segments, the storyline maintains intrigue through its conceptual ambition.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When it comes to sensory experience, the score and sound design effectively underscore the film’s eerie tone, while visual sequences exhibit hallucinatory flair. Immersive soundscapes and creative audio cues enhance thematic depth, notwithstanding sporadic moments where low-budget effects become apparent. Overall, auditory and visual elements coalesce to reinforce atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of rewatch factor, Synchronic’s inventive premise and atmospheric presentation offer incentives for repeat viewings, particularly for fans of speculative fiction. However, narrative inconsistencies and an abrupt conclusion may limit enduring appeal. The film’s unique concept and emotional moments provide lasting interest, even as execution flaws temper replay value.

Plot

Synchronic Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Synchronic from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In Synchronic, Steve, a womanizing New Orleans paramedic, teams up with his devoted partner, Dennis, to tackle a pall of deaths linked to a mysterious designer drug called Synchronic. When Steve is accidentally pricked by a contaminated needle during a call, doctors uncover not only a possible infection but also an aggressive cancer lodged in his underdeveloped pineal gland, a diagnosis that frames the race against time from the very start.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Synchronic Box Office & Budget

Synchronic grossed $1.5 million worldwide on a $3,000 budget. $636,673 came from the US and Canada and $847,058 (57%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.5M

US & Canada
$636.7K
International
$847.1K
Budget
$3K
US & Canada 43% Rest of the world 57%
Videos

Synchronic Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

SYNCHRONIC (2020) Official Trailer | Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan Mind-bending Sci-fi
  • Teaser SYNCHRONIC (2020) Trailer Tease | Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan Mind-bending Sci-fi
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Synchronic?

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 name of the mysterious designer drug causing deaths in the film?

Cars

Cars in Synchronic

10 cars on screen, including the 1997 Ford Econoline and the Jeep Wrangler.

All 10 cars
  • 1997 Ford Econoline in Synchronic 1997 Ford Econoline Main role
  • Jeep Wrangler in Synchronic Jeep Wrangler Important role
  • Ford unknown in Synchronic Ford unknown Minor role
  • 2016 Chevrolet Cruze in Synchronic 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Background role
Details

Synchronic Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “Синхронный” and “药命时空”.

Also known as
  • Синхронный
  • 药命时空
  • Synchronic: Los Límites del Tiempo
  • Грань времени
  • 싱크로닉
  • 藥命時空
  • Межа часу
  • 同步
  • Sincrónico
  • Paratemporal
  • סינכרוניק
  • Senkronik
+7 more
  • Đồng Bộ
  • Synchronic - Zeit ist eine Illusion
  • Синхроник
  • Laika šķautne
  • Sinchroninas
  • シンクロニック
  • متزامن

Seen Synchronic?

FAQ

Synchronic FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Synchronic, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Synchronic?

Synchronic runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Synchronic released?

Synchronic was released on October 23, 2020.

Who is in the cast of Synchronic?

Synchronic stars Anthony Mackie as Steve, Jamie Dornan as Dennis and Ally Ioannides as Brianna, among 19 credited actors.

Where can I watch Synchronic?

In the US, Synchronic is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Bloodstream and Fandango at Home Free and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Synchronic make at the box office?

Synchronic grossed $1.5 million worldwide ($636,673 domestic, $847,058 international) on a budget of $3,000.

How is Synchronic rated?

Synchronic has 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic, 63% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Synchronic have a post-credit scene?

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

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