Is Deadline Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Deadline is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Deadline Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Deadline emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A journalist sets out to report on a minor earthquake in the Australian outback, and finds that the tremor was a result of a small nuclear explosion - part of an extortion threat that has the government fearing nuclear blackmail. Unlike standard genre fare, Deadline attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Deadline features a noteworthy lineup led by Barry Newman . Supported by the likes of Bill Kerr and Trisha Noble , 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 Deadline (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Deadline Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Deadline is a Thriller, TV Movie film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Deadline Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Deadline concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Deadline reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Deadline?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Deadline Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $790.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Deadline Budget
The estimated production budget for Deadline is $790.0K. 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 Deadline
- Barry Newman – Barney Duncan
- Bill Kerr – Willliam Ashby
- Trisha Noble – Gillian Boles
- Alwyn Kurts – Jack McGinty
- John Ewart – Sam O'Bannon
Top Highlights
Barry NewmanBarney Duncan
Bill KerrWillliam Ashby
Trisha NobleGillian Boles
Alwyn KurtsJack McGinty
John EwartSam O'Bannon
Bruce SpenceTowie
Willie FennellOld Alf
Vincent BallPrime Minister
Erin PearceErnie Kramer
Noel TrevarthenKimball
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Deadline has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Deadline stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deadline movie hit or flop?
Deadline has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Deadline worth watching?
Deadline is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Deadline online?
Deadline 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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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
