Is Detective Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Detective is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Detective Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Detective emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Emile Chenal and his wife, Françoise, leaned on boxing manager Jim Fox Warner to cough up the considerable sum of money that he owes them, with both the police and the mob circling the situation. Unlike standard genre fare, Detective attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Detective features a noteworthy lineup led by Laurent Terzieff . Supported by the likes of Aurelle Doazan and Jean-Pierre Léaud , 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 Detective (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Detective Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Detective is a Comedy, Crime, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Detective Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Detective attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Detective reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Detective Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Detective incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime, drama 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, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Detective adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Detective?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Detective
- Laurent Terzieff – William Prospero
- Aurelle Doazan – Arielle
- Jean-Pierre Léaud – Inspector Neveu
- Claude Brasseur – Emile Chenal
- Johnny Hallyday – Jim Fox Warner
Top Highlights
Laurent TerzieffWilliam Prospero
Aurelle DoazanArielle
Jean-Pierre LéaudInspector Neveu
Claude BrasseurEmile Chenal
Johnny HallydayJim Fox Warner
Nathalie BayeFrançoise Chenal
Alain CunyOld Mafioso
Emmanuelle SeignerPrincess of the Bahamas
Julie DelpyWise Young Girl
Ann-Gisel GlassAnne
Where to Watch Detective Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Detective has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Comedy, Crime, Drama), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Detective stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detective movie hit or flop?
Detective has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Detective worth watching?
Detective is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Detective online?
Detective is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Detective Compares & Where it Ranks
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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.
