Butterfly

  • 1982
  • R
  • 108m
movieMx RATING
4.7
37
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Butterfly Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Butterfly

MovieButterfly
Release Year1982
DirectorMatt Cimber
GenreCrime / Drama
Runtime108 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Butterfly (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Butterfly are led by Stacy Keach . The supporting cast, including Pia Zadora and Orson Welles , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Butterfly (1982) is disappointing. Even for die-hard fans, this one is a tough sell. With a platform rating of 4.7/10, it currently stands as a AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Butterfly does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Butterfly has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Butterfly

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Butterfly is a Crime, Drama film directed by Matt Cimber. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Stacy Keach.

Ending Explained: Butterfly

Butterfly Ending Explained: Directed by Matt Cimber, Butterfly attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core crime themes developed throughout the film.

The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Stacy Keach. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the crime themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Butterfly reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Butterfly Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Butterfly Based on a True Story?

Butterfly draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a crime, drama film directed by Matt Cimber, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.

Real Story vs Movie Version

The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.

While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.

Accuracy Assessment: Butterfly uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.

Who Should Watch Butterfly?

Consider Watching If:

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

Box Office Collection: Butterfly

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $3.5M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Butterfly Budget

The estimated production budget for Butterfly is $3.5M. 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: Butterfly

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Butterfly Parents Guide & Age Rating

1982 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Butterfly age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Butterfly is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Butterfly is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.7/10, and global performance metrics, Butterfly is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Butterfly. Rating: 4.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Butterfly worth watching?

Butterfly is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 4.7/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Butterfly parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of Butterfly?

The total duration of Butterfly is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.

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How Butterfly Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Butterfly

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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
★ 4.7
Butterfly
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