Is Ash Wednesday Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ash Wednesday is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 99 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ash Wednesday Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1973, Ash Wednesday emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Barbara gets secret plastic surgery in Switzerland in an attempt to save her marriage to Mark, but he doesn't seem interested in meeting her. Unlike standard genre fare, Ash Wednesday attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ash Wednesday features a noteworthy lineup led by Elizabeth Taylor . Supported by the likes of Henry Fonda and Helmut Berger , 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 Ash Wednesday (1973) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ash Wednesday Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ash Wednesday is a Mystery film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ash Wednesday Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ash Wednesday attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ash Wednesday reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ash Wednesday?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Ash Wednesday
- Elizabeth Taylor – Barbara Sawyer
- Henry Fonda – Mark Sawyer
- Helmut Berger – Erich
- Keith Baxter – David
- Maurice Teynac – Doctor Lambert
Top Highlights
Elizabeth TaylorBarbara Sawyer
Henry FondaMark Sawyer
Helmut BergerErich
Keith BaxterDavid
Maurice TeynacDoctor Lambert
Margaret BlyeKate Sawyer
Sandy JohnsonSandy
Monique van VoorenGerman Woman
Henning SchlüterBridge Player
Dino MeleMario
Where to Watch Ash Wednesday Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Ash Wednesday is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Ash Wednesday stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1973 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ash Wednesday movie hit or flop?
Ash Wednesday has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ash Wednesday worth watching?
Ash Wednesday is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ash Wednesday online?
Ash Wednesday may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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