Is Butterfly Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Butterfly is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Butterfly Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Butterfly emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Jess Tyler lives a quiet life next to an abandoned mining factory by himself in the desert. Unlike standard genre fare, Butterfly attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Butterfly features a noteworthy lineup led by Stacy Keach . Supported by the likes of Pia Zadora and Orson Welles , 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 Butterfly (1982) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Butterfly Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Butterfly is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Butterfly Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Butterfly attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Butterfly reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Butterfly Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Butterfly incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Butterfly adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
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
Butterfly Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (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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Full Cast & Crew of Butterfly
- Stacy Keach – Jess Tyler
- Pia Zadora – Kady Tyler
- Orson Welles – Judge Rauch
- Lois Nettleton – Belle Morgan
- Edward Albert – Wash Gillespie
Top Highlights
Stacy KeachJess Tyler
Pia ZadoraKady Tyler
Orson WellesJudge Rauch
Lois NettletonBelle Morgan
Edward AlbertWash Gillespie
James FranciscusMoke Blue
Stuart WhitmanRev. Rivers
June LockhartMrs. Gillespie
Ed McMahonMr. Gillespie
Paul HamptonNorton
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Butterfly is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.8/10, and global collection metrics, Butterfly stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butterfly movie hit or flop?
Butterfly is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Butterfly worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.8/10, Butterfly may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Butterfly online?
Butterfly 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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How Butterfly Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Butterfly
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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.
