Is Meridian Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Meridian is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Meridian Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1990, Meridian emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Mystery, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After her father’s death, Catherine returns to her family’s gothic castle in Italy and gets caught in the web of a mysterious love triangle. Unlike standard genre fare, Meridian 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 Meridian features a noteworthy lineup led by Sherilyn Fenn . Supported by the likes of Malcolm Jamieson and Charlie Spradling , 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 Meridian (1990) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Meridian Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Meridian is a Horror, Mystery, Romance 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.
Meridian Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Meridian 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 Meridian reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Meridian?
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 Meridian
- Sherilyn Fenn – Catherine
- Malcolm Jamieson – Lawrence / Oliver
- Charlie Spradling – Gina
- Hilary Mason – Martha
- Phil Fondacaro – Dwarf
Top Highlights
Sherilyn FennCatherine
Malcolm JamiesonLawrence / Oliver
Charlie SpradlingGina
Hilary MasonMartha
Phil FondacaroDwarf
Vernon DobtcheffPriest
Alex DanielsBeast
Vito PasseriAdriana
Angelo de BianchiLunatic Man
Mohamed BadrsalemStrong Man
Where to Watch Meridian Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Meridian is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.6/10, and global collection metrics, Meridian stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meridian movie hit or flop?
Meridian is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.6/10 and lower collections.
Is Meridian worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.6/10, Meridian may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Meridian online?
Meridian 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 Meridian Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Meridian
**_Beauty and the beast at an Italian castle_** A half-American woman (Sherilyn Fenn) returns to Italy to inherit the family castle, but she and her best friend (Charlie Spradling) dubiously get involved with a traveling carnival troupe, led by a dark, handsome man (Malcolm Jamieson). "Meridian” (1990), sometimes subtitled “Kiss of the Beast” (and also known as “Phantoms”), is a castle-oriented romantic drama/fantasy with elements of the supernatural, even horror. The real star is the milieu of the castle and the awe-inspiring garden of colossal statues, along with the two brunettes. Speaking of which, they’re both shown top nude a couple of times (so stay away if that offends you) but, honestly, the director & cinematographer didn’t really take advantage of their presence (not talking about nudity or sleaze). In other words, they didn’t know how to photograph beautiful women. There's a surprising politically incorrect element that wouldn’t fly today and is bewildering if you think about it (I don’t want to give it away). Meanwhile the details on how a person is to escape a 400 years-old curse are eye-rolling and almost singlehandedly ruin the movie. It’s like it was written by an author of bad romance/fantasy novels. It runs 1 hour, 26 minutes, and was shot at Castello di Giove, which is a 75-minutes drive north of Rome, as well as Bomarzo (the garden of statues), which is about seven miles west of the castle. GRADE: C+
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