🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ramaa Mosley
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Thriller
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 41min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 45%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A couple finds a magic teapot that rewards them for self-harm, turning their financial woes into a twisted game of ‘how much pain for the mansion?’
🍿 The Brass Teapot: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: A Couple in Financial Trouble
Alice and John are a young, struggling couple facing financial hardship. Alice, despite having an art history degree, can’t find a job that meets her expectations, while John works a dead-end telemarketing job. Their frustration mounts as they struggle to make ends meet and feel judged by their more successful peers.

Discovering the Teapot’s Power
Following a minor car accident, Alice impulsively steals a seemingly ordinary brass teapot from an antique shop. They soon discover the teapot possesses a bizarre power: whenever they experience pain, either physical or emotional, the teapot generates money. Initially, they’re hesitant, but the lure of easy money proves too strong to resist.

Escalating Pain, Escalating Wealth
As their financial situation improves, Alice and John become increasingly reliant on the teapot, pushing the boundaries of pain to generate more money. They engage in increasingly extreme acts of self-harm, from tattoos and piercings to dental work without anesthesia. This newfound wealth leads to a lavish lifestyle, straining their relationship and attracting unwanted attention.

The Dark Side of the Teapot
The teapot’s influence takes a toll on their personalities. Alice becomes increasingly obsessed with wealth and power, willing to inflict pain on herself and others. John, initially reluctant, finds himself complicit in their destructive pursuit of riches. Their relationship deteriorates, and they face threats from individuals seeking to possess the teapot.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Alice (Juno Temple): An ambitious but unemployed young woman who becomes obsessed with the brass teapot and its power to generate money through pain.
- John (Michael Angarano): Alice’s supportive but somewhat hapless husband, who grapples with the moral implications of the teapot’s power and Alice’s growing greed.
- Payton (Alexis Bledel): A former classmate of Alice who represents the successful and materialistic lifestyle that Alice craves.
- Arnie (Billy Magnussen): A character who is a friend of Alice and John.
- Dr. Ling (Steve Park): A mysterious figure who warns Alice and John about the dangers and historical implications of the brass teapot.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Alice: “We’re gonna be rich, John! Rich!” – Exclaimed with excitement after realizing the teapot’s ability to generate money from pain.
- John: “This is insane, Alice! We can’t keep doing this.” – Said when John becomes concerned about the escalating levels of pain and moral compromises.
- Dr. Ling: “The teapot changes people. Not for the better.” – Dr. Ling warns the couple about the corrupting influence of the teapot.
- Alice: “Pain pays, John.” – A phrase that becomes Alice’s mantra as she becomes obsessed with the teapot’s power.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $900,000
- Domestic Gross: $6,997
- Worldwide Gross: $245,027
💥 The Brass Teapot Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘The Brass Teapot’ is definitely a weird one, but I kind of loved it! The whole idea of a teapot that gives you money when you hurt yourself is just so bizarre and darkly funny. I was totally hooked watching Alice and John go from little pinches to… well, I won’t spoil it. I think Juno Temple is fantastic, and she really sells Alice’s descent into madness. The ending was a bit cheesy, but honestly, I was rooting for them the whole time. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for something quirky and different!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of dark comedies”
- “Viewers interested in morality tales”
- “Those who enjoy indie films with quirky premises”
- “Audiences who appreciate films that explore the darker side of human nature”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Self-harm”
- “Violence”
- “Some sexual content”
- “Mature themes”
- “Drug Use”
Professional Reviews
- IndieFilmMonthly: “The Brass Teapot offers a quirky premise with solid performances. Juno Temple shines as Alice, portraying her descent into greed convincingly. While the plot occasionally meanders, the film’s dark humor and unique concept make it a worthwhile watch for fans of indie comedies.
- CinemaSphere: “The film’s strength lies in its originality and the performances of Temple and Angarano. It explores the theme of greed in an entertaining way, but some may find the premise wearing thin by the end. Overall, an imaginative but uneven indie effort.
- The Daily Reel: “”The Brass Teapot” delivers a darkly comedic take on the ‘be careful what you wish for’ trope. While the concept is inventive, the execution sometimes lacks depth. The film is bolstered by Juno Temple’s performance, making it a decent watch for those seeking something different.
Audience Reactions
The inventive ways the couple finds to hurt themselves are both hilarious and disturbing!: Viewers appreciate the film’s originality and dark humor.
Juno Temple’s performance is a standout, perfectly capturing the character’s descent into greed.: Most people praise the chemistry and performance of the two lead actors.
Overall Consensus: The Brass Teapot is a quirky and original dark comedy that explores the themes of greed and love, with standout performances from Juno Temple and Michael Angarano. While the plot may be uneven, its unique concept and dark humor make it an entertaining watch.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the comic book series ‘The Brass Teapot’.”
- “The movie was shot in Romania to keep production costs down.”
- “The director, Ramaa Mosley, also directed the original short film of the same name in 2007.”
- “Alice’s name is a nod to Alice in Wonderland, where the main character shrinks and goes into a teapot.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Brass Teapot?
Currently, The Brass Teapot is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as it may vary by region. Unfortunately, at this time, it’s not included with any major streaming subscriptions.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Brass Teapot, you might like these similar films:
- Wish Upon (2017): Deals with a magical object that grants wishes with deadly consequences, exploring the dark side of getting what you want.
- Cheap Thrills (2013): Also explores the lengths people will go to for money, escalating into increasingly dangerous and morally questionable acts.
- I Wish (2011): A family’s wishes come true after finding a mysterious scroll, but they soon learn there’s a dark price to pay for each desire.
- The Master of Disguise (2002): Shares a similar quirky and offbeat comedic tone, appealing to viewers who enjoy absurd humor and unconventional plots.
🛒 The Brass Teapot Related Products
- The Brass Teapot [Blu-ray]: Own the darkly comedic film on Blu-ray with special features and behind-the-scenes content. Features the film in high definition for the best viewing experience. A great additon to any film collection.
- The Brass Teapot Movie Poster: High-quality print of the movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your movie memorabilia collection. Featuring the iconic image of the brass teapot.
- Brass Teapot Replica: A detailed replica of the brass teapot from the movie. Made from high-quality materials, this is the perfect collector’s item for any fan. Display it proudly in your home!
- The Brass Teapot (Digital Download): Download the movie in HD to watch instantly on your favorite devices. Includes bonus content such as trailers and interviews.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Brass Teapot features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The film explores the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth. It suggests that true happiness lies not in material possessions but in relationships and personal integrity.
No, The Brass Teapot is a fictional story based on a comic book series of the same name. While the premise is fantastical, it explores relatable themes of financial struggles and the temptation of easy money.
While the story is set in the United States, filming for The Brass Teapot primarily took place in Romania. Some scenes were also filmed in the United States.
🔥 Bonus Content
Couple Finds Mysterious Teapot that Gives Money Every Time Someone Feels Pain
Ever wondered what ‘The Brass Teapot’ is all about? This recap breaks down the whole story, so you don’t have to guess! I thought the concept was wild, but the recap really explained the underlying message.
【Elephant】Woman Finds A Teapot That Spits Out Money, But Her Husband Wants To Throw It Away short3/3
Want a quick take on ‘The Brass Teapot’? This short commentary highlights a key part of the film, it’s interesting to hear someone else’s thoughts after watching it yourself, it gave me a new perspective!
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