---
title: "The Ax"
year: 2005
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-ax-2005"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 34186
imdb_id: "tt0422015"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 118
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 234
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Ax (2005) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-ax-2005

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Ax is a film released in two thousand and five that spans the comedy, crime, drama, and thriller genres with a runtime of one hour and fifty-eight minutes. The story follows Bruno, a middle manager who loved his job at a paper company before being laid off. Initially viewing the job loss as an opportunity, his optimism turns to desperation after two years of searching for a comparable position. Meanwhile, his wife works two jobs, and their marriage slowly deteriorates as their hold on the middle class slips away. To remedy his situation, Bruno concocts a grimly audacious plan to identify and kill his fellow job applicants so that he is the only qualified person left.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Costa-Gavras
- **Networks / Studios**: KG Productions, StudioCanal, France 2 Cinéma

## Key Cast Continuity

- **José Garcia** as *Bruno Davert*
- **Karin Viard** as *Marlène Davert*
- **Ulrich Tukur** as *Gérard Hutchinson*
- **Olivier Gourmet** as *Raymond Machefer*
- **Yvon Back** as *Etienne Barnet*
- **Thierry Hancisse** as *Inspector Kesler*
- **Olga Grumberg** as *Iris Thompson*
- **Geordy Couturiau** as *Maxime Davert*
- **Christa Théret** as *Betty Davert*
- **Yolande Moreau** as *Post Office Clerk*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch The Ax online?
The Ax is currently available to watch or stream on Arte, TF1+, Orange VOD, Canal VOD. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is The Ax worth watching?
The Ax holds a community rating of 6.9/10 based on 234 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Comedy, Crime for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie The Ax and when was it released?
The Ax is a feature film with a runtime of 118 minutes. It was released in 2005. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed The Ax?
The Ax was directed by Costa-Gavras.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Ax — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/34186)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*