Is Despair Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Despair is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Despair Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, Despair emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Berlin, 1930, during the rise of Nazism. Unlike standard genre fare, Despair 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 Despair features a noteworthy lineup led by Dirk Bogarde . Supported by the likes of Andréa Ferréol and Klaus Löwitsch , 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 Despair (1978) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Despair Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Despair is a Drama, Thriller 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.
Despair Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Despair concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Despair reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Despair?
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
Despair Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Despair Budget
The estimated production budget for Despair is $2.6M. 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 Despair
- Dirk Bogarde – Hermann Hermann
- Andréa Ferréol – Lydia Hermann
- Klaus Löwitsch – Felix Weber
- Volker Spengler – Ardalion
- Bernhard Wicki – Orlovius
Top Highlights
Dirk BogardeHermann Hermann
Andréa FerréolLydia Hermann
Klaus LöwitschFelix Weber
Volker SpenglerArdalion
Bernhard WickiOrlovius
Armin MeierSilverman / Sergeant Brown / Foreman
Peter KernMüller
Adrian HovenInspector Schelling
Alexander AllersonMayer
Hark BohmDoctor
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Despair has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Despair stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Despair movie hit or flop?
Despair has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Despair worth watching?
Despair is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Despair online?
Despair 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.
