Is Desperate Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Desperate is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 70 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Desperate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Desperate emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In this thinly-veiled, though uncredited, new version of Hemingway's "To Have and Have Not," here a prospective series pilot, an ex-sailor living in Key West, chartering out boats and struggling to forget his past, is lured into a dangerous rendezvous with Cuban gunrunners. Unlike standard genre fare, Desperate 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 Desperate features a noteworthy lineup led by John Savage . Supported by the likes of Meg Foster and Chris Burke , 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 Desperate (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Desperate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Desperate 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.
Desperate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Desperate attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Desperate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Desperate?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Desperate
- John Savage – Noah
- Meg Foster – Dorymae
- Chris Burke – Louis
- Liane Langland – Deirdre O'Donohue
- Andrew Robinson – Seamus
Top Highlights
John SavageNoah
Meg FosterDorymae
Chris BurkeLouis
Liane LanglandDeirdre O'Donohue
Andrew RobinsonSeamus
J.A. PrestonWiggee
George DickersonLeClerc
Castulo GuerraEstabumante
Frances FosterLoretta
Byrne PivenLaw Judge
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Desperate 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 0/10, and global collection metrics, Desperate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperate movie hit or flop?
Desperate is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Desperate worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Desperate may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Desperate online?
Desperate 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.
How Desperate Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Desperate
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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.
