In the unpredictable world of Hollywood, where fortunes can flip faster than a plot twist, few stories capture the highs and lows quite like that of Amsterdam. Released in 2022, David O. Russell’s ambitious ensemble mystery was meant to be a glittering return to form for its director and a showcase for an all-star cast. Instead, it became one of the year’s biggest box office bombs, hemorrhaging an estimated $100 million for Disney’s 20th Century Studios. Fast-forward to September 2025, and the film is experiencing a Lazarus-like resurrection on Netflix. What was once dismissed as an overstuffed mess has clawed its way into the streaming giant’s global Top 10, drawing in millions of viewers who are discovering its quirky charms from the comfort of their couches.

This turnaround isn’t just a feel-good underdog tale; it’s a stark reminder of how the streaming era has upended traditional movie metrics. Theaters may have rejected Amsterdam‘s labyrinthine narrative and tonal whiplash, but Netflix audiences—craving escapist ensembles and period intrigue—are embracing it. Set against the shadowy backdrop of 1930s America, the film follows three unlikely friends thrust into a web of murder, conspiracy, and fascism’s creeping shadow. With Christian Bale leading the charge alongside Margot Robbie, John David Washington, and a parade of heavy-hitters like Robert De Niro and Taylor Swift, Amsterdam promised much but delivered controversy. Now, as it surges in popularity, the question lingers: Was the world just not ready for its eccentric vision, or has streaming finally unlocked its potential? Dive in as we unpack the film’s tumultuous journey from cinematic graveyard to streaming sensation.

The Allure of the Plot: A 1930s Conspiracy That Defies Expectations

At its heart, Amsterdam is a period piece wrapped in a mystery thriller’s cloak, blending screwball comedy, historical drama, and satirical bite. The story unfolds in 1933, a time when the Great Depression’s scars still festered and the specter of European fascism loomed large across the Atlantic. Our protagonists are Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale), a principled but down-on-his-luck doctor; Libby Voze (Margot Robbie), a free-spirited nurse; and Harold Woodman (John David Washington), a sharp-witted lawyer. The trio, bonded by their shared experiences in World War I’s trenches, reunite under tragic circumstances: the suspicious death of their beloved former commander, General Bill Meekins (Ed Begley Jr.).

What begins as a quest for justice spirals into a farcical uncovering of “one of the most shocking secret plots in American history,” as the film’s tagline teases. Inspired loosely by real events—the infamous Business Plot of 1933, an alleged fascist coup attempt against President Franklin D. Roosevelt—Amsterdam imagines a cabal of wealthy industrialists scheming to overthrow democracy. But Russell doesn’t play it straight; he infuses the proceedings with manic energy, rapid-fire dialogue, and visual flair that evokes the golden age of Hollywood comedies like those of the Marx Brothers or Preston Sturges.

Without spoiling the twists, the narrative hops between New York, London, and the titular city, where the friends’ amateur sleuthing leads to absurd disguises, botched espionage, and revelations that blur the lines between ally and enemy. The film’s 134-minute runtime is packed: eye-popping costumes by Julian Day, lush cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki capturing the era’s opulence and grit, and a score by Daniel Pemberton that swings from jazzy exuberance to ominous undertones. Critics lambasted it as convoluted, but fans on Netflix are praising its audacious scope—calling it “a wild ride that rewards rewatches” in user forums. In an age of formulaic blockbusters, Amsterdam‘s willingness to juggle genres feels refreshingly bold, even if it occasionally stumbles.

The Star Power That Couldn’t Save the Theaters: Breaking Down the Cast

No discussion of Amsterdam is complete without marveling at its ensemble, a veritable who’s who of modern cinema that reads like a dream casting call gone awry. Christian Bale anchors the film as Burt, the eye-patched veteran whose morphine-fueled optimism masks deep-seated trauma. Bale, fresh off Oscar nods for Vice and Ford v Ferrari, underwent a physical transformation—gaining weight and adopting a jittery demeanor—to embody the character’s fragility. His performance is a tour de force of tics and tenderness, earning him praise as the film’s saving grace amid the chaos. “Bale carries the movie on his shoulders, infusing Burt with a pathos that’s both hilarious and heartbreaking,” noted one reviewer.

Margot Robbie shines as Libby, the bohemian artist whose unfiltered passion ignites the group’s adventures. Known for her chameleon-like roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and Barbie, Robbie brings a magnetic vulnerability here, her chemistry with Bale crackling in intimate scenes set against the film’s broader farce. John David Washington, son of Denzel, rounds out the core trio as Harold, the level-headed attorney whose dry wit grounds the escalating absurdity. His subtle charisma, honed in Tenet and Malcolm & Marie, provides a counterpoint to the leads’ flamboyance, making their friendship feel authentic.

The supporting cast elevates Amsterdam to must-watch status on Netflix. Robert De Niro plays a shadowy tycoon with his trademark intensity, while Rami Malek’s eccentric veterinarian adds comic relief that’s equal parts endearing and off-kilter. Anya Taylor-Joy, the Queen’s Gambit sensation, delivers a memorable cameo as a socialite with secrets, her ethereal presence cutting through the ensemble’s density. Then there’s Taylor Swift, whose brief role as a nurse sparked pre-release buzz—her dramatic chops, glimpsed in Cats and The Giver, surprise in a pivotal sequence that blends pathos and punch. Other notables include Mike Myers as a flamboyant general (channeling his Austin Powers flair), Zoe Saldaña as a fierce ally, and Timothy Olyphant in a sly turn as a rival.

This constellation of talent was meant to draw crowds, but it backfired in theaters. On streaming, however, it’s a jackpot—viewers are screenshotting the cast list, sharing “spot the star” memes, and bingeing for the sheer novelty of seeing these icons collide. As one Netflix commenter put it, “It’s like an Avengers of drama, but set in the ’30s. Flawed, but fun!”

David O. Russell: The Enigmatic Director Behind the Madness

Few filmmakers polarize like David O. Russell. The auteur behind Oscar darlings Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and American Hustle (2013)—both ensemble-driven romps with sharp social commentary—Amsterdam marked his return after the introspective Joy (2015). Russell’s signature style is evident: overlapping dialogue, kinetic camera work, and a penchant for underdogs navigating moral mazes. He wrote the script himself, drawing from historical footnotes to craft a cautionary tale about wealth’s corrupting influence and the fragility of democracy—a theme eerily prescient in 2022’s polarized climate.

Yet, Russell’s reputation precedes him, shadowed by allegations of on-set toxicity. Reports from previous productions, including Joy and Silver Linings Playbook, detailed explosive outbursts and verbal abuse toward actors like Jennifer Lawrence and crew members. Bale himself clashed publicly with Russell during American Hustle‘s filming, a feud that simmered but didn’t deter their reunion. Pre-release, whispers of a hostile set dogged Amsterdam, with anonymous sources claiming Russell’s “intense” methods bordered on harassment. The director dismissed the claims as “mischaracterizations,” emphasizing his collaborative ethos, but the controversy fueled early skepticism.

On Netflix, these backstories add intrigue rather than deterrence. Viewers, distanced from production drama, focus on the end product. Russell’s defenders argue Amsterdam embodies his chaotic genius—a film too idiosyncratic for theaters but perfect for streaming’s niche tastes. As he told a publication in 2022, “This movie is about friendship in dark times. It’s messy because life is messy.” Whether his baggage sinks or elevates his career remains to be seen, but Amsterdam‘s revival suggests audiences are forgiving when the talent shines.

From Script to Screen: The Production Odyssey

Amsterdam‘s path to fruition was as convoluted as its plot. Russell conceived the story in the late 2010s, inspired by the Business Plot—a real 1933 scheme by financiers to install a fascist regime, exposed by Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler. He spent years researching, weaving in fictional elements to heighten the drama. Casting began in 2020, with Bale signing on first, drawn to the role’s emotional depth. Robbie and Washington followed, excited by the period setting and ensemble dynamic.

Filming kicked off in 2021 across Los Angeles (standing in for New York and Amsterdam), London, and the Netherlands. The budget ballooned to $80 million, fueled by lavish sets, costumes, and Lubezki’s Oscar-winning visuals. Challenges abounded: COVID delays, Swift’s scheduling around her Eras Tour, and Russell’s demanding vision led to reshoots. Post-production polished the film’s frenetic pace, but early test screenings flagged confusion over the timeline and subplots.

Marketing leaned on the cast, with trailers teasing glamour and intrigue. Taylor Swift’s involvement generated viral hype, but it couldn’t mask the growing buzz of a “troubled production.” Released October 7, 2022, Amsterdam arrived amid a crowded fall slate, competing with horrors like Smile and family fare like Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.

The Theatrical Trainwreck: Box Office Blues and Scathing Reviews

Amsterdam‘s cinematic debut was a disaster. Opening weekend, it grossed a meager $6.5 million against competitors, finishing third behind Smile‘s $17.6 million. Domestic total: $14.9 million; worldwide: under $32 million. With ancillary costs, losses hit $100 million—a brutal hit for Disney post-Fox acquisition.

Critics piled on. The film scored a 31% Tomatometer from 261 reviews, with the consensus decrying it as “painfully less than the sum of its dazzling parts.” The New York Times called it a “madcap mystery with many whirring parts,” praising visuals but slamming the script’s bloat. Esquire labeled it “wokeness over substance,” critiquing its heavy-handed anti-fascist message. Even positive takes, like one noting its “exuberance fueled by rage,” couldn’t stem the tide. Audience score: 61%, suggesting general viewers found more to like than detractors.

Why the venom? The plot’s density overwhelmed, subplots fizzled, and tonal shifts—from comedy to thriller—jarred. Russell’s style, once fresh, felt dated. Amid #MeToo reckonings, his controversies amplified the backlash. Box office trackers deemed it 2022’s most unexpected flop, outpacing even Lightyear in infamy.

Unpacking the Flop: Marketing Missteps, Audience Fatigue, and More

Several factors doomed Amsterdam in theaters. Post-pandemic, audiences favored escapism over dense histories; superhero fatigue hadn’t hit, but prestige dramas struggled. Marketing emphasized stars but undersold the plot’s complexity, leading to mismatched expectations. Trailers promised glamour, delivering convolution.

Russell’s track record helped and hurt: Fans of The Fighter tuned in, but skeptics stayed away. The fall window was brutal—holidays loomed, but Black Panther: Wakanda Forever dominated later. Internationally, the U.S.-centric story faltered. Ultimately, it was a victim of ambition in a risk-averse market.

Netflix’s Magic Touch: Climbing the Top 10 and Winning Hearts

Fast-forward to 2025: Amsterdam hit Netflix in late 2024 (after HBO Max/Hulu exclusivity), quietly at first. By September, it cracked the global Top 10, amassing views in the tens of millions. In the U.S., it hit No. 5; globally, No. 8, buoyed by international markets like the UK and Brazil.

Why now? Streaming suits its quirks—pause for confusion, rewind for details. Algorithm magic pairs it with The Crown or Knives Out fans. Social media buzz, from TikTok breakdowns to Reddit defenses, fuels virality: “Underrated gem!” trumps “Messy flop.” In a post-election world, its anti-fascist themes resonate anew. Viewers appreciate the cast’s commitment, with Bale’s arc drawing Oppenheimer comparisons.

Why ‘Amsterdam’ Resonates in the Streaming Age: A Cultural Shift

The resurgence highlights broader trends. Theaters demand hits; streaming thrives on cult favorites. Amsterdam‘s 61% audience score shines brighter sans critic pressure. Its diversity—Black and female leads in pivotal roles—appeals to inclusive viewers. Economically, Netflix’s model recoups flops, turning liabilities into assets.

Culturally, 2025’s anxieties mirror the film’s: rising authoritarianism, wealth inequality. What bombed as “on-the-nose” now feels prophetic. As one analyst noted, “Streaming democratizes discovery—Amsterdam proves second acts aren’t just for stars.”

Legacy in the Making: What ‘Amsterdam’ Means for Hollywood

Amsterdam may not win Oscars, but its revival validates risky storytelling. For Russell, it’s a lifeline; for the cast, vindication. Bale’s versatility, Robbie’s range—they all benefit. It signals streaming’s power to rewrite narratives, offering hope for other flops like The Snowman.

In Hollywood’s Darwinian arena, Amsterdam endures—not as a masterpiece, but a testament to persistence. As it climbs Netflix ranks, one can’t help but wonder: In the end, was the lake (or canal) always leading here?