A Stranger Is Watching

  • 1982
  • R
  • 92m
movieMx RATING
4.5/10$22.0
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: A Stranger Is Watching Review

Last updated: January 21, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 21, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is A Stranger Is Watching (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Stranger Is Watching features a noteworthy lineup led by Kate Mulgrew . Supported by the likes of Rip Torn and James Naughton , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of A Stranger Is Watching (1982) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: A Stranger Is Watching

Quick Plot Summary: A Stranger Is Watching is a Drama, Horror, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: A Stranger Is Watching

Ending Breakdown: A Stranger Is Watching attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of A Stranger Is Watching reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch A Stranger Is Watching?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: A Stranger Is Watching

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $3.2M
Worldwide Gross $2.5M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

A Stranger Is Watching Budget

The estimated production budget for A Stranger Is Watching is $3.2M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: A Stranger Is Watching

All Cast & Crew →
Kate Mulgrew
Kate MulgrewSharon Martin
Rip Torn
Rip TornArtie Taggart
James Naughton
James NaughtonSteve Peterson
Shawn von Schreiber
Shawn von SchreiberJulie Peterson
Stephen Joyce
Stephen JoyceDetective Taylor
James Russo
James RussoRonald Thompson
Jason Robards III
Jason Robards IIIVideotape Technician
Read Morgan
Read MorganGalloway
Gary Klar
Gary KlarPenitentiary Guard
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Where to Watch A Stranger Is Watching Online?

Streaming Hub

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A Stranger Is Watching Parents Guide & Age Rating

1982 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about A Stranger Is Watching age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

A Stranger Is Watching is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of A Stranger Is Watching is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.5/10, and global collection metrics, A Stranger Is Watching stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Stranger Is Watching worth watching?

A Stranger Is Watching is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find A Stranger Is Watching parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for A Stranger Is Watching identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of A Stranger Is Watching?

The total duration of A Stranger Is Watching is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.

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How A Stranger Is Watching Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for A Stranger Is Watching

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.5
A Stranger Is Watching
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