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Documentary

Transformer (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Transformer (2018) movie poster

Transformer is a 2018 documentary directed by Michael Del Monte, starring Janae Marie Kroczaleski. It runs 1 hour 18 minutes and earned $605.4 million worldwide on a $217 million budget. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Stream it on Fandango at Home Free and fuboTV, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$605.4M
Echo Score
83
Transformer (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 18m (78 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$217M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Transformer About?

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

In 2015, Matt "Kroc" Kroczaleski begins his gender transition and becomes Janae, a world record weightlifter facing challenges and isolation. The documentary chronicles Janae's emotional journey as she strives to balance her powerful physique with her evolving femininity. She confronts difficulties in gaining acceptance from family, sponsors, and the competitive weightlifting community, while also dealing with setbacks related to her physical transformation.

Transformer Themes & Keywords

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  • car chase
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Where to watch

Where to Watch Transformer

Stream it on Fandango at Home Free and fuboTV, 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

Transformer Cast

Janae Marie Kroczaleski stars in Transformer. Directed by Michael Del Monte.

Ratings

Transformer Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Transformer 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

83 /100

Transformer Echo Score Breakdown

Transformer presents a compelling and empathetic exploration of Janae's journey through gender transition. Critics commend the film's sincere focus and grounding in real experiences, while viewers praise its emotional honesty and life-affirming resonance. The balanced narrative evokes both educational value and heartfelt engagement, despite occasional calls for broader contextual reactions. Overall, the documentary achieves a cohesive portrait that resonates powerfully and invites repeated reflection.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and production design, Transformer offers a measured and unadorned observational approach that foregrounds authenticity over spectacle. Critics highlight the unobtrusive camera work that allows intimate moments to unfold naturally, while users note the film’s deliberate visual framing of training and family scenes. This restrained craft yields a coherent aesthetic that supports the film’s sincere storytelling.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotional resonance, the documentary excels in portraying Janae’s internal journey with depth and compassion. Reviewers commend Janae’s openness and the film’s patient pacing of personal interviews that reveal vulnerability and self-assurance. Users emphasize the heartwarming depiction of family interactions and emotional candor. The result is a sensitive character study that establishes a strong empathetic bond.

  • Story & Flow 85

    In terms of story coherence and engagement, Transformer delivers a clear and focused narrative arc centered on identity and self-discovery. Critics appreciate the film’s thematic pacing, which balances reflective interviews with contextual background without resorting to academic exposition. Some note a desire for broader community perspectives, yet the film maintains narrative consistency. Overall, it sustains viewer interest through a well-structured progression.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding sensory experience, the film employs a subtle sound design and understated musical cues that enhance emotional beats without overwhelming the narrative. Critics observe that the minimalist score supports rather than distracts from Janae’s testimonials, while the visual palette favors natural lighting and intimate framing. This cohesive style ensures that auditory and visual elements remain harmoniously integrated with the storytelling.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When considering rewatch value, Transformer’s compelling subject matter and thoughtful assembly offer enduring appeal. Viewers note its informative depth and emotional sincerity make it suitable for repeated viewings, especially in educational or advocacy contexts. While the observational style is deliberate rather than dynamic, the film’s nuanced exploration of personal transformation invites further reflection. This combination yields a solid lasting interest.

Plot

Transformer Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Transformer 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 9-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film starts on Cybertron, in Iacon City. A miner bot named Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) sneaks into an old building. In it is an archival recording that details the planet’s origin. The first Transformer, Primus, used his body to create Cybertron, and from the planet’s core came more Transformers, including the 13 Primes. The Matrix of Leadership was forged as a major source of power, but after it was lost in time, the planet’s source of Energon stopped flowing. Two larger Transformer guards catch Orion sneaking around, forcing him to run.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Transformer Box Office & Budget

Transformer grossed $605.4 million worldwide on a $217 million budget, 2.8 times what it cost. $130.2 million came from the US and Canada and $475.3 million (78%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$605.4M

2.8× its budget

US & Canada
$130.2M
International
$475.3M
Budget
$217M
US & Canada 22% Rest of the world 78%
Videos

Transformer Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Transformer.

Hot Docs 2018 Trailers: TRANSFORMER
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Transformer?

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 miner bot who sneaks into the old building in Iacon City?

Seen Transformer?

FAQ

Transformer FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

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

How long is Transformer?

Transformer runs 1 hour 18 minutes (78 minutes).

When was Transformer released?

Transformer was released on October 19, 2018.

Who directed Transformer?

Transformer was directed by Michael Del Monte.

Who is in the cast of Transformer?

Transformer stars Janae Marie Kroczaleski.

Where can I watch Transformer?

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

How much did Transformer make at the box office?

Transformer grossed $605.4 million worldwide ($130.2 million domestic, $475.3 million international) on a budget of $217 million.

How is Transformer rated?

Transformer has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.

Does Transformer have a post-credit scene?

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

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