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Flatland

Flatland

A tale of math, physics, dimensionality, philosophy, religion, and war.

Video200795 minMidcredits score: 70th percentile of all films
Director
Ladd Ehlinger Jr.
Starring
Ashley Blackwell, Chris Carter, Denise Carter, Juliana Carter

Flatland is a two-dimensional universe occupied by living geometric figures - squares, triangles, circles, etc. A Square, Attorney At Law, finds himself in the middle of two upheavals: the rise of martial law by the circular leadership of Flatland, and the arrival of A Sphere, CEO Of Messiah, Incorporated, a creature from a hitherto-unknown third dimensional world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Flatland?

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

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Flatland?

Flatland earns 3 badges, led by Award Winner and Thought-provoking.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Flatland worth watching?

Flatland's Midcredits score is the 70th percentile of all films, from 3.8K ratings across 4 sources. 68% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

70th percentile

Better received than 70% of films

58th percentile among Animation68th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)62nd
Approval (how many liked it)76th

65 /100

62nd percentile of all films

45th percentile among Animation61st percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

68% liked it

76th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Animation74th percentile among 2000s
68% rated it 7–1032% rated it 1–6

Awards

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

72nd percentile

3.8K ratings across platforms

49th percentile among Animation64th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 41% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$1M

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a low-budget, idea-driven adaptation of a classic mathematical allegory, prioritizing conceptual ambition over polished execution.

Fans praised

  • thought-provoking dimensional concepts and mathematical purity
  • creative and consistent two-dimensional world design
  • ambitious adaptation with unique visual style

Detractors panned

  • poor voice acting and amateurish dialogue
  • weak narrative execution and lack of character depth
  • inconsistent tone and unsatisfying ending

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive72

fresh take on dimension theory; divisive for deviating from book

CinematographyDivisive50

crude but detailed CGI with consistent 2D logic; dated by 2025 standards

Plot and storyDivisive45

divisive additions to source material; expands political satire but loses focus

Sound and musicDivisive45

soundtrack often mismatched to tone; royalty-free feel criticized

PacingDivisive42

slow start with heavy exposition; improves in second half

CharactersDivisive30

two-dimensional in personality, lacking depth and motivation

DialogueDivisive28

over-reliance on narration and text insertions, weak script editing

ActingDivisive27

wooden, unemotional voice performances; some fans found them adequate

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 14 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Flatland like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something to think about afterwards.

It has a few laughs and leaves you thinking.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
ContemplativeTense
Heaviest: late
Satirical humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Chaptered · 1% of films: Told in titled chapters or clearly separate parts.
ToneThe film plays its dimensional discovery straight but uses satirical humour to critique political and social structures, mixing earnest exploration with irony.
The rideThe film balances intellectual contemplation with political tension and action, with the most dramatic moments occurring during the Spaceland Senate and the climactic war.
StructureThe story is told in a linear progression with intertitles introducing sections, giving it a chaptered feel within a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's exploration of multiple dimensions and the protagonist's fate leave the viewer reflecting on perception and reality, with a sense of possibility.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).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

with Voyage and return underneath

Why this archetypeA Square is taken from his two-dimensional world into Spaceland to learn about a higher dimension and then returns with a mission to spread the gospel, blending a quest for knowledge with a return journey.

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 filmsSelfTruthIdeas
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% (this title)
  • 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% (this title): Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Ideas

Truth · 4% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how beings can be blind to dimensions beyond their own and the political resistance to new truths.
StanceThe film questions the nature of reality and societal resistance to new ideas, primarily following A Square's perspective.

The world

Far futureUrbanAlternate dimensionScience fiction
ElectronicOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Mark Slater
SettingA two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric shapes, with a dimension-travel plot.
MusicThe soundtrack complements the film's intellectual and satirical tone with a mix of electronic and orchestral elements.

Content guide

Is Flatland okay for kids?

As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (40/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at intense (71/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
heavier than 51% of all films
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (36 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 Flatland have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Flatland?

Cast

Ashley Blackwell
Chris Carter
as King Of Lineland
Denise Carter
Juliana Carter
Mark Carter
Jacqueline Clift
Thomas Christopher Colby
Megan Colleen
as A Hexagon
Colin Duckworth
Ladd Ehlinger Jr.
as A Square

Crew

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What are movies like Flatland?

TMDB's suggestions for movies like Flatland include Regular Show: The Movie (2015), Babylon 5: The Road Home (2023) and Ben 10 vs. the Universe: The Movie (2020).

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

257 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: first contact. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.