Primer_
"What happens if it actually works?"
A group of fledgling inventors discover a complex method to manipulate reality. At first, they successfully game the stock market with it, but the consequences of the invention start to catch up with them.
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Prime Video
FREE
5 countries
Pluto TV
FREE
1 country
YouTube Free
FREE
1 country
A
ARROW
1 country
A
Arrow Video Amazon Channel
1 country
Hoopla
FREE
1 country
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
Primer earned $545K worldwide on a $7K budget — a 7,692% return on investment.
Year context
Primer was released 22 years ago in 2004.
CAST (20)
Shane Carruth
Aaron
David Sullivan
Abe
Casey Gooden
Robert
Anand Upadhyaya
Philip
CC
Carrie Crawford
Kara
JB
Jay Butler
Metalshop Worker
JC
John Carruth
Man On Couch #1
JT
Juan Tapia
Man On Couch #2
AW
Ashley Warren
Hostess
ST
Samantha Thomson
Rachel Granger
CC
Chip Carruth
Thomas Granger
DP
Delaney Price
Laney
JP
Jack Pyland
Aaron's Co-worker
KB
Keith Bradshaw
Clean Room Technician
AU
Ashok Upadhyaya
Laboratory Technician
BB
Brandon Blagg
Will
JC
Jon Cook
Will's Cousin
DJ
David Joyner
Rachel's Date
ED
Eric De Soualhat
Translator
Kevin Lucero Less
Seth Pool Party Guest
CREW
Director
Writer
BOX OFFICE
$7K
Budget
$545K
Revenue
+7692%
ROI
MASSIVE HIT
Verdict
STUDIOS (1)
erbp
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
77 min (1h 17m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.8/10 (2,344 votes)
Popularity
5
Budget
$7,000
Box Office
$545,436
Profit
+$538,436
IMDB
Trailer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Primer about?
A group of fledgling inventors discover a complex method to manipulate reality. At first, they successfully game the stock market with it, but the consequences of the invention start to catch up with them.
How long is Primer?
Primer has a runtime of 77 minutes (1h 17m).
Who directed Primer?
Primer was directed by Shane Carruth.
Who stars in Primer?
The cast of Primer includes Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden, Anand Upadhyaya, Carrie Crawford.
How much did Primer make at the box office?
Primer earned $545,436 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $7,000.
What is the rating of Primer?
Primer has a rating of 6.8 out of 10 based on 2,344 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (3)
Science Fiction
Drama
Thriller
KEYWORDS (9)
distrust
garage
mathematics
identity crisis
time travel
time machine
paradox
mechanical engineering
determinism