Is David Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, David is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
David Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, David emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The true story of David Rothenberg whose disturbed father set him on fire. Unlike standard genre fare, David 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 David features a noteworthy lineup led by Bernadette Peters . Supported by the likes of John Glover and Dan Lauria , 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 David (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
David Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: David is a Drama, TV Movie 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.
David Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: David concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 David reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
David Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
David uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, tv movie 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: David adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch David?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of David
- Bernadette Peters – Marie Rothenberg
- John Glover – Charles Rothenberg
- Dan Lauria – John
- George Grizzard – Dr. Achauer
- Christopher Allport – Terry
Top Highlights
Bernadette PetersMarie Rothenberg
John GloverCharles Rothenberg
Dan LauriaJohn
George GrizzardDr. Achauer
Christopher AllportTerry
Georgann JohnsonLoraine
Jordan CharneyJudge
Matthew LawrenceDavid Rothenberg
Cheryl AndersonDee Fraser
Alexandra BorrieGeri Chambers
Where to Watch David Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
David is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, David stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is David movie hit or flop?
David has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is David worth watching?
David is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch David online?
David is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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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.
