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A Brilliant Young Mind

A Brilliant Young Mind

Is there a formula for love?

2014111 minPG-13Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films
Director
Morgan Matthews
Starring
Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan

Struggling to connect with those around him, a teenage math prodigy trains for the International Mathematical Olympiad, where a budding romance with a fellow contestant breaks through his emotional walls and teaches him that love cannot be calculated.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Brilliant Young Mind?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists A Brilliant Young Mind streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about A Brilliant Young Mind?

A Brilliant Young Mind earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is A Brilliant Young Mind worth watching?

A Brilliant Young Mind's Midcredits score is the 82nd percentile of all films, from 48K ratings across 6 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

82nd percentile

Better received than 82% of films

85th percentile among Drama82nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)76th
Approval (how many liked it)86th

69 /100

76th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Drama75th percentile among 2010s

Critics 65 · Audience 69

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.3 — solid but not unanimous.

76% liked it

86th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Drama87th percentile among 2010s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 77%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 9 wins / 9 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

91st percentile

48K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Drama91st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$31K
Domestic gross$172K
Worldwide gross$1M

60th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a heartfelt but uneven drama about a gifted autistic teenager navigating grief and connection, elevated by strong central performances but hampered by a thin plot.

Fans praised

  • Asa Butterfield's nuanced portrayal of a high-functioning autistic math prodigy
  • The film's tender handling of emotional bonds and the struggle with loss
  • The charming and hopeful journey through the world of competitive mathematics

Detractors panned

  • A) poorly acted and boring, with no real tension
  • B) weak female character writing, with roles reduced to stereotypes
  • C) predictable and cliché-ridden, leaning on audience-pleasing script rather than thoughtful drama

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

Asa Butterfield and Sally Hawkins acclaimed; some call supporting cast weak

Emotional impactDivisive72

Moving portrayal of grief and connection, but some find it manipulative

CharactersDivisive65

Nathan's internal world well drawn, but female characters are underdeveloped

PacingDivisive62

Leisurely but not sluggish; some find it tedious

DialogueDivisive60

Naturalistic dialogue but occasional clunky exposition

Plot and storyDivisive55

Predictable formula, with some finding the ending unsatisfying

OriginalityDivisive48

Derivative of autism-drama tropes, though with some fresh moments

EndingDivisive48

Abstract ending polarizes; some see as subversive, others as a cop-out

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 12 points higher than over-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 15 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is A Brilliant Young Mind like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
ContemplativeWarmMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Tender · 13% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters and their struggles with genuine warmth and seriousness, never undermining its emotional moments.
The rideThe emotional weight builds through the mentorship and personal struggles, peaking around Martin's confession and Nathan's romantic setback.
StructureThe story follows a linear chronology from Nathan's childhood to his participation in the Olympiad, with brief flashbacks to his father.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends with a sense of emotional release and a belief that Nathan can forge meaningful connections, leaving the viewer uplifted.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeNathan, a grieving and emotionally isolated math prodigy, slowly learns to connect with others and heal from his father's death through his mentor, a new romance, and his mother's persistence.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsFamily bonds
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeNathan's journey from emotional isolation to opening up to love and connection is at the heart of the film.
StanceThe film closely observes Nathan's internal and external struggles without overt judgment, letting the characters' experiences speak for themselves.

The world

ContemporaryRealistic
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingA British suburban setting focused on Nathan's home life and school, with the International Mathematical Olympiad as an aspirational backdrop.

Content guide

Is A Brilliant Young Mind okay for kids?

PG-13

A Brilliant Young Mind is listed as PG-13; the MPAA's rating reason reads “N: Rated PG-13 for some strong language, a sexual reference, drug material and disturbing images”. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (37/100), sexual content at minimal (7/100), language at moderate (55/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 35% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Canada14A
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12세이상관람가
  • Netherlands12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 25% of all filmsHeavier than 35% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 34%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 5%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 79%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 32%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 45%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 79% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does A Brilliant Young Mind have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Brilliant Young Mind?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Asa Butterfield
as Nathan Ellis
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rafe Spall
as Martin Humphreys
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sally Hawkins
as Julie Ellis
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eddie Marsan
as Richard
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jo Yang
as Zhang Mei
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alex Lawther
as Isaac Cooper
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alexa Davies
as Rebecca Dunn
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Martin McCann
as Michael Ellis
Orion Lee
as Deng Laoshi
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jake Davies
as Luke Shelton
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

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What are movies like A Brilliant Young Mind?

Movies like A Brilliant Young Mind include The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015), Dìdi (2024) and The Black Balloon (2008). Of the 8 closest matches, most are coming-of-age stories, and two are films set in academia.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 8 share its story type: teen drama. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with A Brilliant Young Mind?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: teen drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.