Is Denial Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Denial is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Denial Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, Denial emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Acclaimed writer and historian Deborah E. Unlike standard genre fare, Denial 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 Denial features a noteworthy lineup led by Rachel Weisz . Supported by the likes of Tom Wilkinson and Timothy Spall , 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 Denial (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Denial Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Denial is a Drama, History 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.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Acclaimed writer and historian Deborah E. Lipstadt must battle for historical truth to prove the Holocaust actually occurred when David Irving, a renowned denier, sues her for libel. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Denial Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Denial 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 Denial reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Denial Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Denial draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history 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, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Denial adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Denial?
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
Denial Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Denial Budget
The estimated production budget for Denial is $10.0M. 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 Denial
- Rachel Weisz – Deborah Lipstadt
- Tom Wilkinson – Richard Rampton
- Timothy Spall – David Irving
- Andrew Scott – Anthony Julius
- Jack Lowden – James Libson
Top Highlights
Rachel WeiszDeborah Lipstadt
Tom WilkinsonRichard Rampton
Timothy SpallDavid Irving
Andrew ScottAnthony Julius
Jack LowdenJames Libson
Caren PistoriusLaura Tyler
Alex JenningsSir Charles Gray
Harriet WalterVera Reich
Mark GatissProfessor Robert Jan van der Pelt
John SessionsProf. Richard Evans
Where to Watch Denial Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Denial is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Denial stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denial movie hit or flop?
Denial has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Denial worth watching?
Denial is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Denial online?
Denial is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV depending on your region.
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How Denial Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Denial
**A courtroom drama about who's right and who's wrong!** There are many factors to consider, especially for a film like this. Yep, the film was based on the real courtroom event. The film is about two people to prove they're right on their book about the war crimes whether that took place or not. So all the episodes take place in a British high court with mention of Auschwitz concentration camp, particularly about its ruins than the events that happened in there. That means it's a great drama to learn about how these two fought in a lawsuit face-off, but there's nothing about the real event just like the film 'The Eichmann Show'. If you are not a Jew or a neo nazi or not even a European and North American, then this is an okayish film from the entertainment aspect, other than learning truth and history. I really expected some real events, but we have already seen in many films about Auschwitz camp. So they kept this film as a modern day court trial than mixing up with those old crime. Great acting by all. Timothy Spall nailed it in his negative role. He was just a fine supporting actor, till I started to recognise him since his genius display in a biopic, 'Mr. Turner'. This is his one of the top performances. He could play Don Trump in his biopic, beside Rob Redford who's a bit old for that. Rachel Weisz was okay. Her role was not strong enough, despite she's in the main character. Because everyone around her took the honour to rise above hers. Be it Tom Wilkinson, who was surprisingly awesome. So in my perspective the film was good, but not great. The courtroom events lacked strong hold with what a film needs and what the viewers wants with twists and turns in the argument. But I'm very happy being honest than modifying its story to make film commercial worthy. Though the film had some its own moments, in the end it was not enough. Particularly how it concludes and to think why this trial even took place makes no sense at all. Seems more a joke than anything serious, just because of someone being crazily challenging and the other one responding to it. Anyway, it's still largely a sensitive matter and my view is just as an outsider. But the film is worth a watch, if you are not expecting a bigger picture after reading its synopsis. _7/10_
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
