Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

91% Tomatometer 152 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings

Mia (Katie Jarvis) is a rebellious teenager on the verge of being kicked out of school. Her hard-partying mother, Joanne (Kierston Wareing), neglects Mia's welfare in favor of her own, and her younger sister (Rebecca Griffiths) hangs out with a much older crowd. Sparks fly between Mia and Connor (Michael Fassbender), Joanne's new boyfriend, and he encourages Mia to pursue her interest in dance. As the boundaries of the relationships become blurred, Mia and Joanne compete for Connor's affection.

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Fish Tank

Fish Tank

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Critics Consensus

Cannes Jury Prize-winner Fish Tank is gritty British realism at its very best, with flawless performances from newcomer Kate Jarvis, and Michael Fassbender.

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Critics Reviews

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Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Deborah Ross The Spectator It's not wholly convincing and its view of tower-block dwellers may well be patronising, but it is utterly absorbing and has such impact that you seriously have to gather yourself afterwards. Aug 30, 2018 Full Review Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Kristin M. Jones Film Comment Magazine [Andrea] Arnold has a knack for subtle details but also for portraying female characters whose natural warmth and energy have been muted by trauma or social isolation. Sep 24, 2014 Full Review Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Keith Uhlich Time Out An assured piece of phoniness. Rated: 2/5 Nov 17, 2011 Full Review Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Mia’s downward spiral leads her on an inevitable path that becomes increasingly painful for the audience to endure, but that’s why Arnold’s film is so successful. Rated: 4/4 Aug 22, 2023 Full Review Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) [Katie Jarvis] had never acted before, and in reality, she doesn’t act, instead she lives before the cameras. [Full review in Spanish] Jul 19, 2022 Full Review Fish Tank | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Jason Best Movie Talk Agritty, gripping drama that boasts a terrific performance by newcomer Katie Jarvis. Nov 24, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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thiago s Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, o filme mostraUma garota que passa por problemas difíceis só no começo, por que depois um vida normal com poucos acontecimentos interessantes, um pouco mais prara frente ela dá o cu para o cara que frequentava a casa dela e não teve interessante de resto do filme. Por isso eu não recomendo esse filme. Rated 1/5 Stars • Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/07/25 Full Review SASKIA A Charming and challenging must see! We watch the characters digress into unsafe territory as they navigate something taboo. Fascinating how Arnold portrays the naivety, desire and human curiosity of the young female spirit. Challenging watch but worth it. Didn't do what I was expecting. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/04/24 Full Review Aarati J One of my favorites. Rented it on a whim and so grateful I did. A realistic view of what principles and integrity look like in people that often get stereotyped as being incapable of such attributes. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/14/23 Full Review Georgan G This film demonstrates excellence in story-telling about the intimate details of a 15-year-old impoverished female trapped in London public housing. The acting was amazing, especially Jarvis & Fassbender. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/22/23 Full Review Renee D The movie is okay, but couldn't stand any of the characters in it though. Rated 3/5 Stars • Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review lindsay s Andrea Arnold is my absolute favorite. She knows how to portray real troubled young teens flawlessly. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Andrea Arnold Director Michael Fassbender Connor Katie Jarvis Mia Kierston Wareing Mia's mother Harry Treadaway Kyle Charlotte Collins Sophie
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Synopsis Mia (Katie Jarvis) is a rebellious teenager on the verge of being kicked out of school. Her hard-partying mother, Joanne (Kierston Wareing), neglects Mia's welfare in favor of her own, and her younger sister (Rebecca Griffiths) hangs out with a much older crowd. Sparks fly between Mia and Connor (Michael Fassbender), Joanne's new boyfriend, and he encourages Mia to pursue her interest in dance. As the boundaries of the relationships become blurred, Mia and Joanne compete for Connor's affection.

Director
Andrea Arnold

Producer
Kees Kasander

Screenwriter
Andrea Arnold

Distributor
IFC Films

Production Co
BBC Films, UK Film Council

Genre
Drama

Original Language
British English

Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 15, 2010, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 17, 2017

Box Office (Gross USA)
$373.1K

Runtime
2h 4m
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