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Primer (2004) - Movie Poster
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6.9
95/100
Psych Score

Primer(2004)

Like Shutter Island
Sci-Fi Thriller77 minDirected by Shane Carruth
"What happens if it actually works?"

Why Similar to Shutter Island

Like Shutter Island, Primer creates paranoia through unreliable perception and reality distortion. Both films feature protagonists who cannot trust their understanding of events unfolding around them.

95
Psych Score
6.9
IMDb Rating

Primer

2004•Shane Carruth•77 min•PG-13
"They say time is the fire in which we burn"

The Experience

Two engineers accidentally discover time travel in their garage. As they exploit multiple timelines for personal gain, reality fractures into dangerous paradoxes. A low-budget masterpiece that will melt your brain.

Cast & Crew

Director: Shane Carruth

Starring: Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden

Production Details

Budget: $7,000

Box Office: $424,760

Age Rating:PG-13

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PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY SCORE

95
PSYCHOLOGICAL INDEX
6.9
IMDB RATING
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTORTION LEVELEXTREME

A transcendent masterpiece that redefines psychological storytelling, requiring multiple viewings for complete comprehension.

Sensitive Content Timeline

Primer does not contain any sensitive scenes - Family Friendly Content

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INTENSITY TIMELINE

Narrative Analysis
Discovery(35%)
First Loop(60%)
Exploitation(75%)
Paradox(90%)
Chaos(100%)
Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Sci-Fi: 75%Thriller: 15%Thriller: 15%Thriller: 15%Thriller: 15%Drama: 10%Drama: 10%Drama: 10%Drama: 10%

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CINEMATIC DNA

Genre Analysis
Sci-Fi
75%
Thriller
15%
Drama
10%

Community Reviews

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FAQ About Primer

Common questions about Primer and how it compares to other psychological thrillers like Shutter Island.

What makes Primer similar to Shutter Island?

Primer shares Shutter Island's core elements: unreliable narrators, psychological manipulation, identity crises, and shocking plot twists that make you question reality. Both films feature protagonists who may not be who they think they are, creating the same disorienting experience that makes Shutter Island so compelling.

How does Primer compare to Shutter Island in terms of psychological complexity?

Primer delivers similar psychological depth through its sci-fi approach to reality distortion and identity themes. Like Shutter Island's Leonardo DiCaprio character, the protagonists in Primer navigate unreliable memories and perceptions that challenge both character and audience understanding.

Who directed Primer and what connects it to Shutter Island-style films?

Primer was directed by Shane Carruth in 2004. Like Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, it uses innovative storytelling techniques to explore themes of mental health, identity confusion, and psychological manipulation through atmospheric cinematography and narrative misdirection.

Does Primer have plot twists like Shutter Island's shocking ending?

Yes, Primer delivers mind-bending revelations comparable to Shutter Island's legendary twist. With a psychological complexity rating of 95/100, it features shocking plot turns that recontextualize everything viewers thought they understood about the story.

Where can I watch Primer online?

Primer streaming availability varies by region. Check Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, and other major streaming platforms for current availability in your area. The film is often available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Video, iTunes, and Google Play Movies.

Does Primer contain mature content like Shutter Island?

Primer focuses primarily on psychological complexity similar to Shutter Island, with minimal mature content. The film emphasizes mental health themes, identity confusion, and psychological manipulation through intellectual rather than explicit content.

What is the IMDb rating of Primer and how does it compare to Shutter Island?

Primer has an IMDb rating of 6.9/10. Shutter Island holds an 8.2/10 rating, and like that film, Primer is highly rated for its psychological depth, innovative storytelling, and reality-twisting narrative that challenges conventional thriller expectations.

Is Primer as mind-bending as Shutter Island?

Primer is considered equally or more mind-bending than Shutter Island, with an extreme complexity level that requires multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Like Shutter Island's layered narrative, it plants clues throughout that only make sense after knowing the truth.

What themes does Primer share with Shutter Island?

Primer explores similar themes to Shutter Island including Time Travel, Friendship, Moral Ambiguity. Both films examine mental health, unreliable perception, and the thin line between sanity and delusion in atmospheric, psychological thriller settings.

Should I watch Primer if I loved Shutter Island?

Absolutely! Primer is specifically recommended for Shutter Island fans because it delivers the same psychological intensity, unreliable narrator elements, and reality-questioning experience. Both films feature complex protagonists navigating identity crises and shocking revelations that redefine the entire narrative.

About This Collection

Primer is part of our curated "Top 10 Movies Like Shutter Island" collection, featuring films that excel in psychological complexity, unreliable narration, and reality-twisting narratives. Each movie shares Shutter Island's ability to blur the lines between truth and perception, making them perfect for viewers who enjoy mind-bending psychological thrillers.

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