Is Impulse Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Impulse is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Impulse Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2008, Impulse emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Thriller, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Acting on impulse, Claire Dennison (Willa Ford), enjoys a brief fling with a sexy stranger (a dead ringer for her husband), only to realize that the object of her desire is a crazed, manipulative, and tenacious psychopath. Unlike standard genre fare, Impulse attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Impulse features a noteworthy lineup led by Angus Macfadyen . Supported by the likes of Willa Ford and Robert Moloney , 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 Impulse (2008) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Impulse Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Impulse is a Mystery, Thriller, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Impulse Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Impulse attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Impulse reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Impulse?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Impulse Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Impulse Budget
The estimated production budget for Impulse is $2.0M. 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 Impulse
- Angus Macfadyen – Jonathan Dennison / Simon Phillips
- Willa Ford – Claire Dennison
- Robert Moloney – Elliott
- Ron Selmour – Hector
- Pablo Silveira – Che
Top Highlights
Angus MacfadyenJonathan Dennison / Simon Phillips
Willa FordClaire Dennison
Robert MoloneyElliott
Ron SelmourHector
Pablo SilveiraChe
Ingrid TorranceMelissa
Laura SoltisJoan
Nancy SivakOfficer Stevens
Michael J RogersOfficer Edwards
Lowela JotieJen
Where to Watch Impulse Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Impulse is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, Impulse stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Impulse movie hit or flop?
Impulse is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is Impulse worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, Impulse may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Impulse online?
Impulse 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.
