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Pixie

Pixie

Shall we go see the big scary drug dealer now?

202093 minRMidcredits score: 36th percentile of all films
Director
Barnaby Thompson
Starring
Olivia Cooke, Ben Hardy, Daryl McCormack, Colm Meaney

To avenge her mother's death, Pixie masterminds a heist but must flee across Ireland from gangsters, take on the patriarchy, and choose her own destiny.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Pixie?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Pixie on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Pixie?

Pixie earns 6 badges, led by Visual feast and Fun.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Pixie worth watching?

Pixie's Midcredits score is the 36th percentile of all films, from 19K ratings across 6 sources. 37% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

36th percentile

Better received than 36% of films

40th percentile among Comedy37th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)39th
Approval (how many liked it)33rd

58 /100

39th percentile of all films

43rd percentile among Comedy41st percentile among 2020s

Critics 45 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.9 — solid but not unanimous.

37% liked it

33rd percentile of all films

36th percentile among Comedy35th percentile among 2020s
37% rated it 7–1063% rated it 1–6

Critics 75% · Audience 56%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

83rd percentile

19K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Comedy83rd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 17% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$689K

39th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A fast-paced Irish crime comedy that owes a heavy debt to Tarantino and Guy Ritchie.

Fans praised

  • Olivia Cooke's magnetic, quick-witted lead performance
  • darkly humorous, fun caper with Tarantino / Guy Ritchie energy
  • breathtaking Irish coastal and countryside cinematography

Detractors panned

  • derivative, aimless script—unoriginal Tarantino / Ritchie knock-off
  • unlikeable, morally empty protagonist with manipulative, smug traits
  • tonally confused, lacking narrative coherence and emotional stakes

What stands out

Cinematography80

Stunning Irish landscapes and coastlines widely praised by both camps

ActingDivisive74

Olivia Cooke's charismatic, commanding lead; Baldwin and Meaney underused but entertaining

PacingDivisive65

Breezy 93-minute runtime works for fans; detractors find it sluggish and meandering

HumorDivisive55

Darkly funny to fans; detractors find jokes flat, juvenile, or offensive

DialogueDivisive50

Snappy but uneven; some witty lines, but detractors call it juvenile

CharactersDivisive40

Pixie divisive—fans see clever, manipulative charm; detractors see smug, unlikable stereotype

Plot and storyDivisive38

Generic heist-road-trip mashup; predictable twists and thin logic

OriginalityDivisive25

Heavily derivative of Tarantino, Ritchie, and McDonagh films; minimal fresh ideas

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men even
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Pixie like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
TenseAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
PlayfulWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its violent crime material with a darkly comic, knowing distance, using humor to undercut the mayhem.
The rideThe film blends comedic antics with escalating danger, with the most intense shootout occurring near the climax.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically with a single flashback to Pixie's mother's death; no nonlinear or other devices are central.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayYou leave entertained by Pixie's cleverness and the absurdity, but aware that her success came at the expense of her duped accomplices.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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).QuestMission
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypePixie's goal is to steal money from the church and escape to San Francisco while avenging her mother's death, making the film a mission-driven quest with heist and con elements.

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 filmsSelfRevengeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · 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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Revenge · 4% of filmsSurvival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe protagonist is driven by vengeance for her mother's murder while also seeking freedom from a dangerous situation.
StanceThe film presents Pixie's revenge and escape with a neutral, playful gaze, neither condemning nor glorifying her actions.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticIn transitRealistic
FolkOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · David Holmes
SettingWest of Ireland, small town
MusicA blend of Irish folk melodies and modern orchestral score by David Holmes and Gerry Diver.

Content guide

Is Pixie okay for kids?

R

Pixie is rated R: “Rated R for violence, language, drug content and some sexual references” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (53/100), sexual content at mild (34/100), language at moderate (48/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (42/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Overall it is heavier than 8% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland16
  • Brazil16
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia18+
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 33% of all filmsHeavier than 8% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 20%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 54%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 29% of R-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 Pixie have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Pixie?

Cast

Olivia Cooke
as Pixie
Ben Hardy
as Frank McCullen
Daryl McCormack
as Harland McKenna
Colm Meaney
as Dermot O'Brien
Alec Baldwin
as Father Hector McGrath
Rory Fleck Byrne
as Colin
Fra Fee
as Fergus
Turlough Convery
as Mickey O'Brien
Chris Walley
as Daniel Donnelly
Pat Shortt
as Father Daly

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Pixie?

Movies like Pixie include Race 2 (2013), Set Up (2011) and Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls Like Mom (1980). Of the 12 closest matches, most are revenge thrillers, and several are dark comedies.

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

3 of these 12 share its story type: heist. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Pixie?

388 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: hitman. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.