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Young Ones

Young Ones

In a future without water, vengeance will rain.

2014100 minRMidcredits score: 34th percentile of all films
Director
Jake Paltrow
Starring
Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, Elle Fanning, Kodi Smit-McPhee

In a future where water is scarce, a farmer defends his land and hopes to rejuvenate his parched soil. However, his daughter's boyfriend schemes to steal the land for himself.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Young Ones?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Young Ones streaming on Hulu, Pluto TV (free), 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 Young Ones?

Young Ones earns 5 badges, led by Visual feast and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Young Ones worth watching?

Young Ones' Midcredits score is the 34th percentile of all films, from 18K ratings across 6 sources. 36% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

34th percentile

Better received than 34% of films

50th percentile among Action35th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)37th
Approval (how many liked it)32nd

58 /100

37th percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Action38th percentile among 2010s

Critics 47 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

36% liked it

32nd percentile of all films

46th percentile among Action31st percentile among 2010s
36% rated it 7–1064% rated it 1–6

Critics 47% · Audience 36%

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

Awards

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

Reach

How many have seen it

85th percentile

18K ratings across platforms

75th percentile among Action86th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$7.7K

5th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a slow-paced, character-driven sci-fi western with striking visuals but limited narrative momentum.

Fans praised

  • stunning cinematography and desolate landscapes
  • strong performances from Michael Shannon and cast
  • original blend of sci-fi and western elements

Detractors panned

  • slow pacing and lack of engaging action
  • underdeveloped characters and weak plot
  • poor script and direction undermine talented cast

What stands out

Cinematography85

stunning desert visuals and dusty purity

Atmosphere80

desolate, parched world-building is immersive

ActingDivisive73

Michael Shannon praised as compelling; some find cast miscast or uneven

OriginalityDivisive60

unique genre blend but derivative of westerns and dystopian tropes

Emotional impactDivisive50

engages fans but leaves detractors cold

Plot and storyDivisive48

simple revenge story; too predictable or thin for many

CharactersDivisive45

well-defined in first chapter but underdeveloped overall; some call archetypal

PacingDivisive28

slow and often tedious; fans call it meditative

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 13 points higher than women.

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

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Young Ones 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 bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseCathartic
Heaviest: late
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Chaptered · 1% of films: Told in titled chapters or clearly separate parts.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its harsh world and characters with unflinching seriousness, never undercutting the drama.
The rideA steady pressure of survival and suspicion builds throughout, peaking in the final confrontation where Jerome exacts revenge.
StructureThe story unfolds in three clearly marked chapters, each centered on a different character's experience of the same events.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe story concludes with a sense of resolved conflict but also lingering moral ambiguity, leaving the viewer unsettled.
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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: 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. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeA family struggles to survive on a drought-stricken farm, and a young outsider's ambitions lead to a power struggle that forces the son to take a stand.

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 filmsSelfJusticeMorality
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%: 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% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · 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

Justice · 13% of filmsFamily bondsSurvival
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeJerome seeks to avenge his father's murder after uncovering the truth, exploring personal justice in a lawless drought-stricken world.
StanceThe film poses questions about whether personal justice in a broken world is justified, without celebrating or condemning Jerome's final act.

The world

Near futureRuralWildernessScience fiction
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Nathan Johnson
Settinga drought-ravaged small farm community in a near-future US where water is scarce and survival is brutal
MusicA sparse, atmospheric score that underscores the desolate landscape and emotional isolation.

Content guide

Is Young Ones okay for kids?

R

Young Ones is rated R: “Rated R for some violence and language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (80/100), sexual content at mild (19/100), language at moderate (56/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • CanadaR
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (30 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Young Ones have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Young Ones?

Cast

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

Michael Shannon
as Ernest Holm
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.
Nicholas Hoult
as Flem Lever
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Elle Fanning
as Mary Holm
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kodi Smit-McPhee
as Jerome Holm
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Aimee Mullins
as Katherine Holm
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Christy Pankhurst
as Robbie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alex McGregor
as Sooz
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Robert Hobbs
as Caleb Moore
David Butler
as Sam Lever
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
David Clatworthy
as Calvin Hooyman
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 Young Ones?

Movies like Young Ones include Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014), The Hollow Point (2016) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, most are dystopian films, and several are hero-versus-nemesis stories.

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

4 of these 12 share its world: western. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Young Ones?

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