The 2018 sci-fi film Jonathan, starring Ansel Elgort, has made a significant return to Netflix after nearly seven years away from the platform. This re-release on Netflix, the movie’s original streaming home, came on February 20, joining a slate of new titles including Adam Scott’s Strip Law and The Expendables franchise.
The Story Behind Jonathan’s Unique Plot
Jonathan explores the lives of two brothers, both played by Elgort, who share the same body. Uptight architect Jonathan and his alter ego, John, a lively New York City partygoer, struggle with conflicting desires when John breaks their strict rules by entering a relationship. This internal conflict spirals into a battle for dominance between the two personalities.
The film features a notable cast alongside Elgort, including Patricia Clarkson as Dr. Mina Nariman, Suki Waterhouse as Elena, and Matt Bomer portraying Ross Craine. Despite this strong ensemble, Jonathan failed to attract large audiences in theaters. Produced with a modest budget of around $2.1 million, it grossed just $41,558 at the box office, falling far short of covering its costs.
Nevertheless, Jonathan received mixed but somewhat favorable reactions. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 54% audience score via the Popcornmeter and a 62% critic rating. Critics noted that while the film’s complex concept did not fully land, Elgort’s performance garnered praise, with some drawing comparisons to the tone of Black Mirror episodes.
Ansel Elgort’s Early Confidence in Jonathan
Elgort quickly realized the project’s potential despite its indie nature. In an April 2018 interview with Variety, he explained that his agent warned him the film was a small-budget project helmed by a first-time director. Yet, the script captivated him from the start.
I don’t like reading scripts that much. I like doing other things, like working on music, but I started looking at it, and I usually read the first five pages and then throw them away,
Elgort revealed.
This one was different. I couldn’t stop reading it. It felt very pure. There are really only three actors in it. It felt like the equivalent of going on stage.
– Ansel Elgort, actor
At just 24 years old when Jonathan premiered, Elgort took on the challenge of convincing director Bill Oliver that he could convincingly portray both halves of the character. He explained his attempt to prove himself as Jonathan, the serious architect, which required more range than playing John, the more relatable, charismatic personality.
It’s easier to sell me as John, the kid who plays basketball and has a girlfriend. Jonathan is the straight-edge architect guy,
Elgort recalled.
So the question was could I be that? Baby Driver hadn’t come out yet, so it wasn’t like everyone was begging me to do their movies.
– Ansel Elgort, actor
Jonathan’s Place in Today’s Streaming Landscape
After initially coming to Netflix in early 2019, a few weeks following its late 2018 theatrical release, Jonathan has now returned to Netflix’s catalog. Its streaming availability provides viewers a fresh opportunity to discover or revisit this thoughtful exploration of identity and duality. The film’s sci-fi drama and psychological themes align well with Netflix’s growing collection of cerebral and genre-driven titles.
This comeback could offer the movie greater exposure than it had during its limited cinema run, potentially reaching audiences who appreciate films with complex narratives and character dynamics. Jonathan’s presence on a major streaming platform may also encourage renewed critical attention or cult appreciation over time.
