Jonathan: The Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Drama You Probably Missed

While scrolling through Netflix this week, I stumbled upon “Jonathan,” a film that recently joined the streaming giant’s ever-expanding library. Full disclosure: I’d never heard of this sci-fi drama before. At first glance, I thought it might be a new Netflix original, but it turns out this intriguing flick actually premiered back in 2018.

Starring Ansel Elgort in a dual role that’ll make your head spin, “Jonathan” centers on a premise so unique it immediately grabbed my attention: two “brothers” who literally share one single body. Yes, you read that right. In a world where most sci-fi films rely on flashy CGI and intergalactic battles, this one takes a decidedly different approach—and that’s precisely what makes it worth your time.

Having now watched it myself, I’ve got plenty to unpack about this overlooked gem that’s finally getting its due on Netflix.

What is ‘Jonathan’ about?

Rather than delivering the grand sci-fi adventure you might expect from the premise, “Jonathan” is actually a more intimate, character-driven drama. Set in a world that looks remarkably like our own—no flying cars or android companions here—the film explores what happens when two distinct personalities are forced to share the same physical form.

Elgort plays both Jonathan and John, with Jonathan controlling the body during daytime hours while John takes over at night. Neither is conscious while the other is in control, and they don’t share memories of each other’s experiences. To maintain some semblance of normalcy, they communicate through pre-recorded video messages, creating a fascinating dynamic that forms the backbone of the story.

Their carefully structured existence begins to unravel when Jonathan discovers that John has been keeping a significant secret—one that threatens to destroy the delicate balance they’ve maintained for years.

Should you stream ‘Jonathan’ on Netflix?

Don’t let the trailer fool you—while it positions “Jonathan” as a gripping psychological thriller, the actual film is more of a contemplative drama that delves deep into identity, isolation, and the human need for connection.

The central concept is undeniably fascinating, especially in the opening act where we watch Jonathan/John navigate the challenges of living a divided life. Neither personality seems fully satisfied with their arrangement, and the practical complications are brilliantly explored—if John gets drunk at a bar, it’s Jonathan who suffers the hangover the next morning. Dating? That’s supposed to be off-limits entirely.

Things get even more complicated when John falls in love with Elena (Suki Waterhouse), throwing their carefully constructed rules into chaos. Patricia Clarkson provides able support as Dr. Mina, though her character’s true motivations remain intriguingly ambiguous throughout.

At just 95 minutes, “Jonathan” occasionally struggles to sustain its premise, particularly in the middle section where the limitations of the concept become apparent. There aren’t any ridiculous twists thrown in to artificially extend the runtime—just a thoughtful exploration of what happens when carefully maintained boundaries begin to break down.

The film concludes on a particularly emotional note that elevates the entire experience, delivering a bittersweet ending that lingers long after the credits roll.

Ansel Elgort shoulders the entire film admirably, playing two distinctly different characters who often interact through video messages. His performance is especially impressive considering he’s frequently acting opposite recordings of himself. While Jonathan clearly emerges as the primary character, I found myself wishing for more screen time with John’s more outgoing personality.

“Jonathan” won’t satisfy viewers craving traditional sci-fi thrills or action-packed set pieces, but for those interested in a thoughtful exploration of identity and human connection taken to a literal extreme, it offers a rewarding experience.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you might also want to check out the best Netflix movies to stream this weekend, or explore everything new on Netflix in March 2026.

Watch “Jonathan” on Netflix now

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