Mine (2016) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Mine (2016) is a psychological war thriller that delves into the mental and physical struggles of a soldier trapped in a life-threatening situation in the middle of a vast, desolate desert. Directed by Fabio Guaglione and Fabio Resinaro, the film stars Armie Hammer in a gripping performance that explores themes of survival, isolation, and human resilience. In this review, we will explore the movie’s plot, its cinematic approach, and critical reception, along with providing the best streaming options for watching Mine online, particularly in the U.S.
Plot Overview
The story of Mine follows U.S. Marine sniper Mike Stevens (Armie Hammer), who, after a failed assassination mission in the Middle East, accidentally steps on a landmine while trying to navigate through an open desert. Now, immobilized with his foot on the mine, Mike must survive the harsh desert conditions while dealing with dehydration, extreme heat, and his own deteriorating mental state. If he lifts his foot, the mine will explode, so he’s left with no choice but to wait for rescue — which may or may not come.
As time drags on, Mike’s mind begins to play tricks on him, with hallucinations and flashbacks adding to his ordeal. These memories and visions force him to confront his troubled past, relationships, and his own fears. The film, at its core, is not just about survival, but also about the inner battle Mike wages with himself as he waits for either rescue or death.
A Slow-Burning Psychological Thriller
Unlike typical war films that focus on explosive action sequences and battle scenes, Mine is a slow-burning, character-driven psychological thriller. The desert setting is stark and unrelenting, reflecting the isolation and helplessness that Mike feels. The narrative is built around a single location — Mike standing on a mine in the middle of nowhere — which adds to the tension and suspense.
The directors, Fabio Guaglione and Fabio Resinaro, create a sense of claustrophobia even in the wide-open expanse of the desert. Through close-up shots, limited movement, and the heavy use of psychological elements, the filmmakers emphasize Mike’s mental and emotional turmoil. The film successfully portrays how isolation can push a person to their mental limits, making it more than just a survival film — it becomes a meditation on fear, hope, and endurance.
Armie Hammer’s Performance
Armie Hammer delivers a compelling and emotionally charged performance as Mike Stevens. Since most of the film centers around Hammer’s character alone, it relies heavily on his ability to convey a wide range of emotions with minimal physical movement. Hammer captures the frustration, fear, and desperation of Mike’s situation, as well as the character’s internal struggles with his past.
His portrayal of a man on the verge of breaking down mentally, while still determined to survive, adds depth to the story. Hammer’s performance, paired with the film’s intense focus on one character in a life-or-death situation, draws viewers into the story, making them feel every moment of Mike’s anguish.
Themes and Symbolism
Mine is not just a literal tale about a soldier trapped in the desert; it’s also filled with symbolic elements that explore broader themes of entrapment, guilt, and self-forgiveness. The mine itself can be seen as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological burdens that Mike carries. Throughout the film, Mike is haunted by memories of his relationship with his fiancée Jenny (Annabelle Wallis) and his troubled past, all of which feed into the film’s deeper exploration of what it means to be truly free.
The desert acts as a barren canvas for Mike’s mind to unravel, where the harsh conditions and lack of outside stimuli force him to confront his internal demons. This existential struggle adds a layer of complexity to the story, making it more than just a fight for physical survival.
Critical Reception
Mine received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film for its ambitious storytelling and Armie Hammer’s strong performance, while others criticized its slow pacing and repetitive nature. The film currently holds a 17% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, but has a significantly higher audience score of 43%, reflecting its appeal to viewers who appreciate a psychological and character-driven approach to the survival genre.
Many critics acknowledged that the film’s unique concept and tension-filled premise were commendable, though some felt that the film’s minimalist plot became tedious over its nearly two-hour runtime. However, audiences who enjoy slow-burn thrillers with a focus on psychological depth may find Mine to be a thought-provoking and intense experience.
Where to Watch Mine Online in America
If you’re interested in watching Mine, it is available on several streaming platforms for both rental and purchase in the United States. Below are the most convenient ways to watch the film online:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Mine is available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent it for $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99, and the film is available in both SD and HD formats.
- Tubi (Free with Ads): For those looking to watch Mine for free, it is available on Tubi. While you’ll have to endure some ads, Tubi offers a legal and cost-free option for streaming the film in its entirety.
Rental and Purchase Options
For viewers who prefer to rent or purchase Mine without subscribing to a streaming service, the following platforms offer the movie:
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers Mine for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $9.99. You can watch it on any device compatible with Google Play, including Android devices and Chromecast.
- Apple iTunes: On iTunes, you can rent Mine for $3.99 or buy it for $9.99. The film will be available across all your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV.
- Vudu: Vudu provides both rental and purchase options for Mine. Rental prices start at $3.99, and the purchase price is $9.99. Vudu supports high-quality streaming on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
- YouTube Movies: YouTube Movies offers Mine for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $9.99, making it an accessible option for YouTube users across a wide range of devices.
- Microsoft Store: Windows users can rent Mine for $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99 through the Microsoft Store, available on Windows PCs and Xbox consoles.
Conclusion: Should You Watch Mine?
Mine is a unique blend of psychological thriller and war film, focusing on the inner struggles of its protagonist rather than traditional action. While the film may not be for everyone due to its slow pace and minimalist plot, it’s an intriguing watch for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and intense psychological tension.
Armie Hammer’s performance is a highlight, and the film’s exploration of mental endurance and survival makes it a thought-provoking experience. If you’re in the mood for a tense, atmospheric thriller that delves into the human psyche, Mine is worth a watch. With plenty of options for streaming, renting, or purchasing the film online, it’s easily accessible for viewers in the United States looking for a suspenseful, introspective ride.
