FeatureDrama

The Master (2012): cast, story & where to watch

2012 · Film · ★ 7.2

The Master poster

Released in 2012, The Master is a drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, running about 137 minutes. “Every man needs a guide.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Freddie, a volatile, heavy-drinking veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto the ship of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new "religion" he forms after World War II.

Who’s in it. The Master stars Joaquin Phoenix as Freddie Quell, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd, Amy Adams as Peggy Dodd and Laura Dern as Helen Sullivan, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.2/10, The Master has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $28.3M at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Master page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Master tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Master (2012)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Master change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Master worth watching?
The Master holds an audience score of 7.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Master?
The Master stars Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Laura Dern and Jesse Plemons.
When was The Master released?
The Master was released in 2012, with a runtime of about 137 minutes.