Is Melancholia Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Melancholia is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Melancholia Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, Melancholia emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Art critic Keller, a German ex-pat living in London, is confronted by his radical 1960s past when he's asked to assassinate a Chilean murderer who is on a visit to London. Unlike standard genre fare, Melancholia 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 Melancholia features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeroen Krabbé . Supported by the likes of Susannah York and Ulrich Wildgruber , 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 Melancholia (1989) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Melancholia Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Melancholia is a Drama 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.
Melancholia Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Melancholia attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Melancholia reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Melancholia?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Melancholia
- Jeroen Krabbé – David Keller
- Susannah York – Catherine Lanham Franck
- Ulrich Wildgruber – Manfred
- Jane Gurnett – Sarah Yelin
- Kate Hardie – Rachel Lanham Franck
Top Highlights
Jeroen KrabbéDavid Keller
Susannah YorkCatherine Lanham Franck
Ulrich WildgruberManfred
Jane GurnettSarah Yelin
Kate HardieRachel Lanham Franck
Saul ReichlinDr. Adolfo Vargas
Detlef BerthelsenDr. Berger
Mouchette Van HelsdingenReceptionist
John JoyceButcher
John SparkesRoger Dere
Where to Watch Melancholia Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
BFI Player Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Melancholia has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Melancholia stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melancholia movie hit or flop?
Melancholia has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Melancholia worth watching?
Melancholia is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Melancholia online?
Melancholia is currently available for streaming on BFI Player Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like BFI Player Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
