Z (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Z is a 2020 mystery thriller directed by Brandon Christensen, starring Stephen McHattie as Dr. Seager, Sara Canning and Jett Klyne. It runs 1 hour 23 minutes and earned $788,597 worldwide. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 23m (83 min)
- Director
- Brandon Christensen
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Shudder
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Z About?
The premise of Z without spoilers.
A seemingly perfect family’s world unravels as night falls, revealing a terrifying secret. Their 8-year-old son’s imaginary friend manifests into a sinister reality, turning their home into a landscape of fear. As the darkness deepens, the family must confront the horrifying consequences of a child’s vivid imagination and fight to survive the nightmare it has unleashed.
Z Cast & Characters
Stephen McHattie leads the cast as Dr. Seager, with Sara Canning as Jenna and Jett Klyne as Joshua. Directed by Brandon Christensen; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Brandon Christensen
-
Stephen McHattie as Dr. Seager -
Sara Canning as Jenna -
Jett Klyne as Joshua - Keegan Connor Tracy as Beth
Also Starring in Z
· 6 more- Chandra West Georgia
- Sean Rogerson Kevin
- Ali Webb Mrs. Hirsch
- Deborah Ferguson Alice Montgomery
- Fox Rose Daniel
- Luke Moore Z
Z Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Z 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 64/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).
Z Echo Score Breakdown
Z offers a tense and visually engaging experience anchored by effective jump scares and stylish camera work. Many critics praised its restrained direction and occasional intelligence in exploring trauma, while users noted the familiar premise and uneven narrative momentum. The story’s pacing alternates between measured buildup and rushed resolution, and character logic sometimes feels inconsistent. Sound design and visual effects deliver chilling moments despite some unconvincing CGI. Overall, Z stands as a solid but flawed genre entry that balances compelling frights with narrative unevenness.
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 art and craft, Z demonstrates strong visual cohesion through deliberate camera setups and restrained production design. Critics highlighted its stylish editing and atmospheric framing that build tension effectively. The special effects add chilly surprises, although some noted occasional CGI shortcomings. The overall craftsmanship supports the film’s mood, delivering a polished aesthetic despite a few technical uneven moments.
- Character & Emotion 60
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally solid and lend credibility to the central family dynamic. Top-tier acting drew praise for conveying trauma, but some viewers found character motivations and logic uneven. Emotional resonance dips when narrative gaps emerge, reducing depth in certain interactions. The film’s allegorical undertones offer insight, but inconsistent development tempers engagement.
- Story & Flow 55
In terms of story and flow, Z employs a slow-burn structure that effectively builds suspense through measured pacing. Critics admired its subtle subtext, yet many noted missing elements that hinder overall coherence. User reactions ranged from appreciation for its brooding momentum to frustration with a rushed finale and familiar genre clichés. The narrative engages intermittently but falters in resolution clarity.
- Sensory Experience 70
With respect to sensory experience, Z excels in sound design and musical timing, using startling cues and shrilling strings to heighten tension. Visual style is characterized by a muted palette and purposeful lighting that evoke a chilly atmosphere. Critics lauded its jump-scare delivery, though some viewers criticized unconvincing CGI effects. Overall, the film succeeds in delivering an immersive, if occasionally uneven, sensory impact.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Regarding rewatch factor, Z offers moments of effective tension and visual flair that may reward repeat viewings. The underlying allegory and restrained scares provide some depth, yet the reliance on familiar jump scares and narrative gaps can lessen lasting appeal. While certain stylistic details could reveal new nuances, the film’s structural inconsistencies limit its long-term replay value.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 97% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 47%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 63 Metascore
User score 6.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 66% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.6 /5
7 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Z Box Office
Z grossed $788,597 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$788.6K
- International
- $788.6K
Z Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Z.
Cars in Z
5 cars on screen, including the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the 2012 Honda CR-V.
-
2016 Hyundai Tucson Important role -
2012 Honda CR-V Minor role -
1990 Honda CRX Minor role -
Ford E-Series Background role
Z Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Amizade Maldita” and “Зи”.
- Also known as
-
- Amizade Maldita
- Зи
- 臆想魔友
- 臆想魔友Z
- ซี ปีศาจซ่อนแอบ
- Z Wants To Play
- Z: vuole giocare
Seen Z?
Z FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Z, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Z?
Z runs 1 hour 23 minutes (83 minutes).
When was Z released?
Z was released on May 7, 2020.
Who directed Z?
Z was directed by Brandon Christensen.
More films by Brandon Christensen Who is in the cast of Z?
Z stars Stephen McHattie as Dr. Seager, Sara Canning as Jenna and Jett Klyne as Joshua, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Z make at the box office?
Z grossed $788,597 worldwide.
How is Z rated?
Z has 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63 on Metacritic, 66% on TMDB and 2.6/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Z have a post-credit scene?
No. Z 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
