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Mystery thriller

Z (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Z (2020) movie poster

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.

Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$788.6K
Echo Score
64
Metascore
63
Z (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 23m (83 min)
Genres
Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
Studio
Shudder
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Z

· 6 more
Ratings

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).

64 /100

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.

Box office

Z Box Office

Z grossed $788,597 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$788.6K

International
$788.6K
Videos

Z Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Z.

Z - Trailer Oficial
Cars

Cars in Z

5 cars on screen, including the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the 2012 Honda CR-V.

All 5 cars
  • 2016 Hyundai Tucson in Z 2016 Hyundai Tucson Important role
  • 2012 Honda CR-V in Z 2012 Honda CR-V Minor role
  • 1990 Honda CRX in Z 1990 Honda CRX Minor role
  • Ford E-Series in Z Ford E-Series Background role
Details

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?

FAQ

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.

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