The Cost (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Cost is a 2023 drama thriller directed by Matthew Holmes, starring Jordan Fraser-Trumble as David, Damon Hunter and Kevin Dee. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $192.9 million worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 48m (108 min)
- Director
- Matthew Holmes
- Original language
-
English
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Cost About?
The premise of The Cost without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Driven by a desire for justice, two individuals decide to take the law into their own hands. They kidnap a man believed to be responsible for a terrible crime, intending to deliver a punishment outside the bounds of the legal system. The ensuing events explore the complexities of morality and the blurred lines between justice and revenge.
The Cost Themes & Keywords
· 4 tags- hairy chest
- bare chested male bondage
- bare chested male
- hairy chested male
The Cost Cast & Characters
Jordan Fraser-Trumble leads the cast as David, with Damon Hunter as Aaron and Kevin Dee as Troy. Directed by Matthew Holmes; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Matthew Holmes
- Jordan Fraser-Trumble as David
- Damon Hunter as Aaron
- Kevin Dee as Troy
- Nicole Pastor as Stephanie
Also Starring in The Cost
· 12 more- Clayton Watson Brian
- Sophie Stewart Mia
- Mark Redpath Sgt Leseberg
- Sotiris Tzelios Harry
- Adam Willson Mike
- Steve Sammut Station Attendant
- Leanne Campbell Factory worker
- Nadia Fragnito Kelly
- Cait Spiker Megan
- Axel Jager Cameron
- Eleni Modinos Station Barista
- Ella Hill-Cotter Lucy
More from Matthew Holmes
More films directed by Matthew Holmes: Fear Below and The Legend of Ben Hall.
The Cost Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Cost 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in sensory experience (78).
The Cost Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, The Cost delivers a tightly woven revenge thriller that maintains tension from opening to climax. The direction and visual design create a realistic atmosphere, while the performances convey the moral conflict at the story’s core. Plot twists and a measured pacing keep the audience engaged, and the film’s thematic depth encourages repeat viewings. The consensus among critics and viewers is that the film succeeds in most cinematic dimensions despite occasional criticisms of brutality and script predictability.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction and cinematography generate an understated yet effective visual tone that grounds the narrative in realism. Production design and editing support the gritty atmosphere without drawing attention to themselves. Critics note the natural look as a highlight, while occasional low‑budget constraints are mentioned, resulting in a generally strong but not flawless technical execution.
- Character & Emotion 82
When evaluating character and emotion, the performances are widely praised for conveying the protagonists’ anguish and moral dilemma. The lead actor’s portrayal of a grief‑driven brother is cited as especially compelling, and ensemble chemistry adds credibility to the revenge narrative. Some viewers found the acting uneven, but the dominant sentiment highlights nuanced, powerful portrayals that enhance audience engagement.
- Story & Flow 84
The story and flow receive strong commendation for a coherent, tightly paced revenge plot that sustains suspense. Plot twists near the climax are highlighted as effective surprises, and the moral conflict offers thematic depth. Nevertheless, a minority mention predictable dialogue and occasional implausibility, resulting in an overall impression of a well‑structured, engaging narrative with minor flaws.
- Sensory Experience 78
Sensory experience is noted for its tense soundtrack and restrained use of violence that maintains thriller momentum without overwhelming the viewer. Sound design and visual style contribute to a palpable dread, while the naturalistic look reinforces realism. A few critiques point to excessive brutality, but the consensus is that the sensory elements effectively support the film’s mood.
- Rewatch Factor 85
The film’s replay value is reinforced by its gripping storyline, surprising twist, and lingering moral questions, encouraging viewers to revisit the narrative for deeper insight. Sustained tension and strong performances make subsequent viewings rewarding, while the realistic tone and thematic complexity ensure lasting appeal beyond the initial watch.
-
IMDb 6.2 /10
811 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 87%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
472 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Cost Plot Summary
What happens in The Cost from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Three men—David [Jordan Fraser-Trumble], Aaron [Damon Hunter], and Troy [Kevin Dee]—prepare for a weekend that looks ordinary from the outside but spirals into a tense, violent sequence. David stops by a hardware store to stock up with a suspicious assortment of items, as if planning a project that feels off; Aaron carefully loads a rifle and hides it inside camping gear, ensuring it remains concealed from casual eyes; and Troy settles into his home for a weekend of drinking and holiday planning, ease giving way to a growing sense of unease.
Full summary
The whole story of The Cost, scene by scene
The Cost Box Office
The Cost grossed $192.9 million worldwide. $105.3 million came from the US and Canada and $87.6 million (45%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$192.9M
- US & Canada
- $105.3M
- International
- $87.6M
The Cost Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Cost.
How Well Do You Know The Cost?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What are the names of the three main characters in the film?
The Cost Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “Цена” and “더 코스트”.
- Also known as
-
- Цена
- 더 코스트
- Расплата
- 成本
Seen The Cost?
Movies Like The Cost
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Price We Pay, Payback and The Hanged Man.
The Cost FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Cost, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Cost?
The Cost runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).
When was The Cost released?
The Cost was released on December 7, 2023.
Who directed The Cost?
The Cost was directed by Matthew Holmes.
More films by Matthew Holmes Who is in the cast of The Cost?
The Cost stars Jordan Fraser-Trumble as David, Damon Hunter as Aaron and Kevin Dee as Troy, among 16 credited actors.
How much did The Cost make at the box office?
The Cost grossed $192.9 million worldwide ($105.3 million domestic, $87.6 million international).
How is The Cost rated?
The Cost has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The Cost have a post-credit scene?
No. The Cost has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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