Skip to content
MovieCove
The Rover

The Rover

Fear the man with nothing left to lose.

2014103 minRMidcredits score: 60th percentile of all films
Director
David Michôd
Starring
Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy, David Field

Ten years after a severe economic collapse in the western world, lawlessness reigns and life is cheap. Eric is a lone drifter, and his car is his only possession. When a gang steals it, Eric comes across the injured Rey, left behind by the car thieves. The pair form an unlikely and uneasy alliance.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Rover?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Rover streaming on Cinemax via Prime Video and HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime VideoNew

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Rover?

The Rover earns 6 badges, led by Atmospheric and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Rover worth watching?

The Rover's Midcredits score is the 60th percentile of all films, from 107K ratings across 6 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

60th percentile

Better received than 60% of films

75th percentile among Action60th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)63rd
Approval (how many liked it)55th

65 /100

63rd percentile of all films

79th percentile among Action63rd percentile among 2010s

Critics 64 · Audience 65

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

68th percentile among Action55th percentile among 2010s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 67% · Audience 52%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 19 noms overall

80th percentile

107K ratings across platforms

68th percentile among Action81st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26

Box office

Budget$12M
Opening weekend$69K
Domestic gross$1.1M
Worldwide gross$2.5M

Returned 0.2× its budget — 44th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slow, grim, minimalist road movie set in a lawless, post-collapse Australian outback, driven by the performances and atmosphere rather than plot.

Fans praised

  • Career-redefining, transformative lead performances (Pearce's cold fury and Pattinson's fragile Rey)
  • Uncompromisingly bleak, atmospheric world-building that feels tactile and immersive
  • Haunting minimalist score and starkly beautiful outback cinematography

Detractors panned

  • Plodding, monotonous pacing with endless driving and staring shots
  • Thin, illogical plot with gaping holes and no character backstory
  • Pretentiously sparse dialog that fails to justify the central obsession

What stands out

Atmosphere85

Oppressively bleak, tactile world of dust, heat, and moral decay

ActingDivisive82

Pearce's searing, near-mute intensity; Pattinson's revelatory, tic-laden turn as a simple, wounded man-child

CinematographyDivisive78

Starkly beautiful outback vistas and grimy naturalistic close-ups

TensionDivisive65

Palpable dread from silence and sudden brutality, but often deflated by slow stretches

CharactersDivisive48

Eric's opaque, single-note rage vs. Rey's sympathetic vulnerability; little backstory

Plot and storyDivisive35

Bare-bones car-revenge chase undermined by illogical character choices and holes

EndingDivisive35

Dog-in-the-trunk reveal is divisive—moving for some, absurd/anticlimactic for others

PacingDivisive32

Deliberate, slow-burn rhythm that becomes tedious and repetitive for many

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Rover like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTense
Heaviest: late
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its brutal, desolate world completely straight, with no irony or sentiment, adopting a grim and serious stance throughout.
The rideThe film sustains a constant low-grade dread and tension, with a surge of brutality toward the end.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the car theft through the pursuit to the final confrontation, following a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers as a grim meditation on loss and obsession, with a devastating final reveal that recontextualizes the entire journey.
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).Quest
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% (this title) · 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%: 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. · Treasure hunt: Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).

10% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeEric's relentless pursuit of his stolen car drives the story, fitting a quest archetype; the object of value is the car, and his journey is a manhunt across the lawless outback.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
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% (this title)
  • 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% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · 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%

Survival

SurvivalObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Violence · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film follows Eric's obsessive, violent drive across a post-collapse wasteland to retrieve his car, which holds something precious.
StanceThe film presents survival and violence as brute facts without moral commentary, watching its protagonists move through a broken world.

The world

Near futureRuralWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Antony Partos
SettingA post-economic-collapse Australian outback, lawless and patrolled by scattered military units.
MusicA sparse, percussive score that mirrors the desolate landscape and the protagonist's grim resolve.

Content guide

Is The Rover okay for kids?

R

The Rover is rated R: “Rated R for language and some bloody violence” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (86/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at severe (86/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (39/100) and frightening material at intense (78/100). Overall it is heavier than 78% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland16
  • New ZealandR16
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina16
  • CL14
  • Denmark15
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyVM14
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-18
  • SingaporeNC16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan12+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 87% of all filmsHeavier than 78% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 18%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%

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

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

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 The Rover have?

MovieCove's classifier found 7 depicted content warnings in The Rover: Gore or body horror (severe), Gun violence (severe), Sexual harassment or grooming (severe), Child abuse (moderate), Medical procedures (moderate), Animal death (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horrorGun violenceSexual harassment or grooming
ModerateChild abuseMedical procedures
MildAnimal death

Cast and crew

Who is in The Rover?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Guy Pearce
as Eric
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.
Robert Pattinson
as Rey
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.
Scoot McNairy
as Henry
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
David Field
as Archie
Susan Prior
as Dorothy Peeples
Anthony Hayes
as Soldier 1
Tawanda Manyimo
as Caleb
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Nash Edgerton
as Town Soldier
Gillian Jones
as Grandma
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Richard Green
as Storekeeper
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Rover?

Movies like The Rover include It Comes at Night (2017), The Road (2009) and Animal Kingdom (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set in the near future, and several are stories about soldiers.

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

4 of these 12 share its world: post-apocalyptic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Rover?

214 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-western. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.