Is Madman Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Madman is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Madman Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Madman emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Madman Marz, an old folklore legend who murdered his family before escaping into the woods, is inadvertently summoned to a campsite to finish the spree he started decades ago. Unlike standard genre fare, Madman attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Madman features a noteworthy lineup led by Gaylen Ross . Supported by the likes of Tony Nunziata and Harriet Bass , 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 Madman (1981) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Madman Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Madman is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Madman Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Madman attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Madman reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Madman?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Madman
- Gaylen Ross – Betsy
- Tony Nunziata – T.P.
- Harriet Bass – Stacy
- Seth Jones – Dave
- Jan Claire – Ellie
Top Highlights
Gaylen RossBetsy
Tony NunziataT.P.
Harriet BassStacy
Seth JonesDave
Jan ClaireEllie
Alexander Murphy Jr.Bill
Jimmy SteeleRichie
Carl FredericksMax
Paul EhlersMadman Marz
Tom VeilleuxTommy
Where to Watch Madman Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Madman 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 5/10, and global collection metrics, Madman stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madman movie hit or flop?
Madman has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Madman worth watching?
Madman is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Madman online?
Madman 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 Madman Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Madman
***Pedestrian Grade B knockoff of “Friday the 13th”*** It’s the end of the season at a youth camp on the remote end of Long Island and a legendary mad backwoodsman appears on the final night to pick off the counselors. Gaylen Ross (as Alexis Dubin) from “Dawn of the Dead” (1978) appears as one of the protagonists. Seeing “Madman” (1981) makes you realize the excellence of “Friday the 13th” (1980). It has the same basic setting and plot with a promising opening that borrows from “The Fog” (1980), not to mention a crazy ax-wielding killer that recalls “The Shining” (1980). But it never rises above a flat experience, although it has some nice nocturnal camp mood. The fact that everything takes place within a few hours on the same night doesn’t help because there are no daytime scenes; and so the story’s just too one-dimensional for a movie that runs almost an hour and a half. Some dull scenes unnecessarily drag on and could’ve been cut in half. Another negatory is that the director/writer has no eye for capturing women on film; and I’m not talking about nudity or sleaze. Still, if you favor the “Friday the 13th” flicks and don’t mind a subpar copy, “Madman” should fill the bill, although that’s about it. At least the titular character’s make-up is well done. He’s sort of like Bigfoot if he were human and liked axes. The movie runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and was shot entirely at Fish Cove Inn, Southampton, Long Island, New York. GRADE: C/C-
Saw this a while back and gave it a second shot with Vinegar Syndrome's 4K release and... my opinion remains the same. The kills are unspectacular and on the whole was pretty dull, as were the cardboard cutout characters. Not sure the timeline when it was filmed, but seems like a clear Friday the 13th clone. **2.25/5**
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
