Is Desperation Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Desperation is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 131 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Desperation Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2006, Desperation emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a sheriff arrests a writer, a family, a couple, and a hitchiker and throws them in a jail cell in the deserted town of Desperation, they must fight for their lives. Unlike standard genre fare, Desperation 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 Desperation features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Skerritt . Supported by the likes of Steven Weber and Annabeth Gish , 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 Desperation (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Desperation Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Desperation is a Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, Mystery 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.
Desperation Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Desperation attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Desperation reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Desperation?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Desperation Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Desperation Budget
The estimated production budget for Desperation is $12.0M. 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 Desperation
- Tom Skerritt – John Edward Marinville
- Steven Weber – Steve Ames
- Annabeth Gish – Mary Jackson
- Charles Durning – Tom Billingsley
- Matt Frewer – Ralph Carver
Top Highlights
Tom SkerrittJohn Edward Marinville
Steven WeberSteve Ames
Annabeth GishMary Jackson
Charles DurningTom Billingsley
Matt FrewerRalph Carver
Henry ThomasPeter Jackson
Shane HabouchaDavid Carver
Kelly OvertonCynthia Smith
Sylva KelegianEllie Carver
Ron PerlmanCollie Entragian
Where to Watch Desperation Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Desperation is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Desperation stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperation movie hit or flop?
Desperation has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Desperation worth watching?
Desperation is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Fantasy, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Desperation online?
Desperation 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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How Desperation Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Desperation
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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.
