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Urge

Urge

Every high has its price

201689 minRMidcredits score: 17th percentile of all films
Director
Aaron Kaufman
Starring
Pierce Brosnan, Justin Chatwin, Danny Masterson, Ashley Greene

A group of friends on holiday on an island experiment with a new designer drug that makes them lose their ability to control their urges.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Urge?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Urge streaming on MovieSphere+ via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Urge?

Urge earns 4 badges, led by Overhyped and Cult Classic.

Reception

Is Urge worth watching?

Urge's Midcredits score is the 17th percentile of all films, from 12K ratings across 4 sources. 35% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

17th percentile

Better received than 17% of films

13th percentile among Drama18th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)8th
Approval (how many liked it)30th

44 /100

8th percentile of all films

5th percentile among Drama10th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

35% liked it

30th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Drama30th percentile among 2010s
35% rated it 7–1065% rated it 1–6

Critics 0% · Audience 24%

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

Reach

How many have seen it

84th percentile

12K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Drama85th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 4% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$48K

27th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • Interesting premise about a one-time-use drug that unleashes true nature
  • Pierce Brosnan's charismatic and devilish performance as The Man
  • Trippy atmosphere and psychedelic visual style

Detractors panned

  • Unlikable, one-dimensional characters with no development
  • Incoherent plot that starts promising but devolves into a mess
  • Lack of commitment to the promised sex and violence

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive55

Derivative of other drug-gone-wrong thrillers but unique premise

AtmosphereDivisive55

Good nightclub and island vibe but inconsistent tension

CinematographyDivisive55

Stylish with psychedelic visuals but occasionally amateurish

ActingDivisive40

Pierce Brosnan shines as charismatic The Man; others often overact or underact

PacingDivisive35

Slow first half, rushed disjointed later acts

Plot and storyDivisive30

Promising premise but poorly executed, loses coherence mid-film

CharactersDivisive20

Sketched as unlikable, rich stereotypes with no depth or arcs

EndingDivisive15

Abrupt, confusing climax; post-credits scene derided as pointless

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 36 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 17 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Critics vs users 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Urge like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense, swings between moods and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

A taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneA pulpy B-movie horror-thriller that plays its morality-stripping drug premise with grim seriousness, never winking at its own absurdity.
The rideThe film maintains a tense and dreadful atmosphere throughout, with moments of absurd violence, and the heaviest stretch comes when the apocalyptic implications become clear towards the end.
StructureThe film unfolds in straightforward chronological order, from the friends' arrival on the island through the escalating aftermath of taking Urge.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering unease, reinforced by the implication that the drug's chaos will reach beyond the island.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): 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% (this title)
  • 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Inner demon: The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.

21% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe story pits a group of friends against a drug that strips moral inhibitions and turns the island into chaos; the creature to overcome is the darkness the Urge releases inside people, orchestrated by the Man.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · 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%: 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

Identity · 14% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe drug Urge strips away inhibitions, forcing characters to confront their hidden desires and true selves, often with destructive results.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of uninhibited desire and the potential collapse of society when morality is stripped away.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · The Newton Brothers
SettingAn island with a nightclub and various locations, dominated by the Man's drug operation.
MusicThe score likely underscores the tension and descent into chaos.

Content guide

Is Urge okay for kids?

R

Urge is rated R: “Rated R for disturbing violent and sexual behavior, drug use, and language throughout” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (76/100), sexual content at moderate (43/100), language at severe (84/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (78/100) and frightening material at moderate (50/100). Overall it is heavier than 74% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK18
  • Germany18
  • France12
  • JapanR15+
  • Denmark15
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 85% of all filmsHeavier than 74% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 58%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 41%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 81%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 92%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 32%

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

The reason to think twice is language, drug and alcohol content, and violence. 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 Urge have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Urge?

Cast

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

Pierce Brosnan
as The Man
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.
Justin Chatwin
as Jason Brettner
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danny Masterson
as Neil
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ashley Greene
as Theresa
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nick Thune
as Danny
Alexis Knapp
as Joey
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Chris Geere
as Vick
Bar Paly
as Denise
James DeBello
as Gambler
Olga Merediz
as Esthetician

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Urge?

Movies like Urge include The Hamiltons (2006), Liquid Sky (1982) and Infinity Pool (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films that feel dark, and most are hero-versus-nemesis stories.

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

All 12 share its subject: identity. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

741 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: outbreak. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.