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Sci-fi film

The Shift (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The Shift (2023) movie poster

The Shift is a 2023 sci-fi film directed by Brock Heasley, starring Kristoffer Polaha as Kevin Garner, Elizabeth Tabish and Jordan Walker Ross. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and earned $12.2 million worldwide on a $6.5 million budget. Critics gave it 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10.

IMDb rating
5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
30%
worldwide gross
$12.2M
Echo Score
70
The Shift (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 55m (115 min)
Director
Brock Heasley
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original language
English
Budget
$6.5M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is The Shift About?

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

Driven by a desperate search for his lost love, Kevin finds himself unexpectedly pulled through a series of alternate dimensions. As reality twists and shifts around him, he must confront the unpredictable nature of the multiverse, facing challenges and dangers in each new reality. His journey is a race against time as he fights to reclaim his place beside her and restore order to his life.

The Shift Themes & Keywords

· 4 tags
  • two word title
  • book of job
  • dystopian sci fi
  • conspiracy thriller
Cast & crew

The Shift Cast & Characters

Kristoffer Polaha leads the cast as Kevin Garner, with Elizabeth Tabish as Molly Garner and Jordan Walker Ross as Brendan. Directed by Brock Heasley; 20 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

The Shift Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Shift 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in rewatch factor (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

70 /100

The Shift Echo Score Breakdown

The Shift presents a mixed but gradually improving picture across its components. Direction and cinematography receive commendation for confidence and professionalism, while pacing is generally praised despite occasional sluggishness. Acting fluctuates, with several performances highlighted as compelling yet the lead often falls short of depth. Narrative ambition is evident, though coherence and originality are debated. Visual and auditory elements are noted as strong, and audience enthusiasm suggests a solid rewatch potential.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows competent direction and professional cinematography, earning remarks of confidence and visual polish. Editing maintains a steady rhythm, though some critics cite uneven moments. Production design supports the sci‑fi premise without relying on large‑scale effects. The overall technical execution is solid, positioning the visual side of the movie in a positive light.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When evaluating character and emotion, performances are a focal point. Several viewers praise strong, nuanced portrayals, especially from supporting actors, while critics point to a lead lacking depth and resonance. Emotional beats land effectively for many audience members, yet the overall character development is viewed as uneven. This balance yields a moderately positive assessment of the film's character work.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Story and flow receive mixed feedback. The premise of a faithful individual in a faithless multiverse intrigues, but critics argue the plot often wanders into didactic territory and suffers from pacing issues. Some audience members describe the narrative as compelling and thought‑provoking, while others find it confusing or overly long. The resultant score reflects this split perception of the storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory experience is largely praised. Reviewers highlight strong lighting, cohesive visual style, and effective sound design, noting that the soundtrack complements the film’s tone. While special effects are modest, the overall audiovisual presentation is deemed polished and immersive. This consistent positive sentiment drives a higher score for the sensory dimension.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    Rewatch factor emerges as a notable strength. Multiple viewers report that the film gains depth upon subsequent viewings, with layers that continue to resonate. Audience enthusiasm, especially among younger viewers, suggests strong lingering appeal and a desire to revisit the story. This enthusiasm translates into the highest score among the assessed aspects.

Plot

The Shift Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Shift from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2008, the financial world was shaken to its core with the collapse of Bear Stearns, leaving Kevin Garner, a once-prominent hedge fund manager, grappling with job loss and a shattered identity. In his search for acceptance and solace, Kevin encountered Molly at a local bar—the free-spirited woman who accepted a dare from her friends to connect with him. What began as a fleeting spark quickly blossomed into a profound romance, culminating in a shared commitment through marriage. However, their bond faced an unimaginable test with the tragic death of their young son, Daniel.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

The Shift Box Office & Budget

The Shift grossed $12.2 million worldwide on a $6.5 million budget, 1.9 times what it cost. $12.1 million came from the US and Canada and $120,424 (1%) from the rest of the world.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$12.2M

1.9× its budget

US & Canada
$12.1M
International
$120.4K
Budget
$6.5M
US & Canada 99% Rest of the world 1%
Videos

The Shift Trailers & Videos

15 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 2 clips, 2 featurettes and 8 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 15 videos
Official Trailer 2
  • Trailer Christmas Trailer - Peace On Earth
  • Teaser Official Teaser Trailer
  • Clip Official Clip
  • Clip Official Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Shift?

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 event in 2008 leaves Kevin Garner jobless?

Details

The Shift Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “Na Linha de Frente” and “轮班特工”.

Also known as
  • Na Linha de Frente
  • 轮班特工
  • شیفت
  • The Shift: El gran cambio
  • The Shift - O Deslocamento
  • Przejście
  • Le grand changement
  • 翻轉追緝令
  • Другая реальность
  • המשמרת
  • A műszak

Seen The Shift?

FAQ

The Shift FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is The Shift?

The Shift runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).

When was The Shift released?

The Shift was released on December 1, 2023.

Who directed The Shift?

The Shift was directed by Brock Heasley.

Who is in the cast of The Shift?

The Shift stars Kristoffer Polaha as Kevin Garner, Elizabeth Tabish as Molly Garner and Jordan Walker Ross as Brendan, among 20 credited actors.

How much did The Shift make at the box office?

The Shift grossed $12.2 million worldwide ($12.1 million domestic, $120,424 international) on a budget of $6.5 million.

How is The Shift rated?

The Shift has 5.6/10 on IMDb, 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64% on TMDB and 2.5/5 on Letterboxd.

Does The Shift have a post-credit scene?

Yes. The Shift has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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