Cataclysm Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Cataclysm
| Movie | Cataclysm |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Director | Phillip Marshak |
| Genre | Horror |
| Runtime | 94 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cataclysm (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 3.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Cataclysm are led by Cameron Mitchell . The supporting cast, including Marc Lawrence and Faith Clift , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Cataclysm does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Cataclysm 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 Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Cataclysm
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, Cataclysm is a Horror film directed by Phillip Marshak. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Cameron Mitchell.
Ending Explained: Cataclysm
Cataclysm Ending Explained: Directed by Phillip Marshak, Cataclysm attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving Cameron Mitchell. 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 horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Cataclysm reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Cataclysm?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Cataclysm
All Cast & Crew →


Where to Watch Cataclysm Online?
Streaming HubCataclysm Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about Cataclysm age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cataclysm is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 3.9/10, and global performance metrics, Cataclysm is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cataclysm worth watching?
Cataclysm is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 3.9/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cataclysm parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cataclysm identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Cataclysm?
The total duration of Cataclysm is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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Critic Reviews for Cataclysm
When I was a teenager, though I wasn't really big on sitcoms (if I watched TV, I primarily enjoyed crime/police/detective stories), I must admit I loved the occasional episode of 'Night Court', though by no means did I watch it enthusiastically or with any regularity. My favourite actor in it was Richard Moll, who had that unique presence of a Richard Kiel, yet was better both in charisma and comic timing. A few months ago, I saw a crappy horror portmanteau from the 80's ('Night Train to Terror'), of which directors' Marshak, McGowan and Tallas' segment, 'The Case of Claire Hansen', was by far the most interesting and best realized (thanks to 'Hollie Horror' for the info!), yet in the panoramic jetsam of my mind, in watching 3+ films a day, I wondered why I was getting this strange sense of deja vu. It was neat to see the entire work. Moll's face and voice were very familiar, yet he had a full head of hair (he was bald in 'Night Court', for those who don't remember), and his name was listed as 'Charles Moll' in the credits, so I was a tad confused--perhaps it was a brother?--but it ended up being the same person. The film itself plays upon the same chord as horrific greats from its preceding decade, such as 'The Exorcist', 'The Omen' and 'The Amityville Horror', in which the classic conflict of good vs. evil is fought, and demons from the underworld are its root cause. For a no-budget film, it has a decent sense of atmosphere and mood, interesting actors and cinematography, and a really outstanding climactic scene. The special effects are uneven: Sometimes they are decent, yet sometimes laughingly bad--probably due to having THREE directors involved--usually NOT a good omen for a film, if simply one story is being presented (too many cooks DO spoil the broth, at least cinematically). One exceedingly bad aspect was Faith Clift as the female protagonist, Claire Hansen. Though for her age she was beautiful, her monotone voice was dreadful. I recommend the film wholeheartedly and with no reservations, if you like horror films and want a good time some evening for 94 minutes.
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.










