Is Basil Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Basil is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Basil Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Basil emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A lonely young aristocrat in turn-of the century England struggles to meet the approval of his over-bearing, class-conscious father while trying to please the selfish woman he loves. Unlike standard genre fare, Basil attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Basil features a noteworthy lineup led by Jared Leto . Supported by the likes of Christian Slater and Claire Forlani , 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 Basil (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Basil Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Basil is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Basil Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Basil attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 Basil reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Basil?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Basil
- Jared Leto – Basil
- Christian Slater – John Mannion
- Claire Forlani – Julia Sherwin
- Rachel Pickup – Clara Fairfax
- Derek Jacobi – Father Frederick
Top Highlights
Jared LetoBasil
Christian SlaterJohn Mannion
Claire ForlaniJulia Sherwin
Rachel PickupClara Fairfax
Derek JacobiFather Frederick
David RossMr. Sherwin
Crispin Bonham-CarterRalph
Jenny DownhamAnna, Ralph's Wife
Stephanie BagshawEmma Mannion
Christopher OwenFather Mannion
Where to Watch Basil Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Basil is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Basil stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basil movie hit or flop?
Basil has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Basil worth watching?
Basil is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Basil online?
Basil 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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