Verdict:Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.4/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Mystery, Crime, Drama genre.
Answer: Yes, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 155 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A visiting city reporter's assignment suddenly revolves around the murder trial of a local millionaire, whom he befriends. Unlike standard genre fare, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil features a noteworthy lineup led by John Cusack . Supported by the likes of Kevin Spacey and Jude Law , 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.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Quick Plot Summary: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a Mystery, Crime, 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.
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A visiting city reporter's assignment suddenly revolves around the murder trial of a local millionaire, whom he befriends. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Ending Breakdown: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
The final moments of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a mystery, crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
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: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Worth Watching If You:
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $25.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is $35.0M. 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.
Apple TV
Amazon VideoApple TVAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil 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.
More enjoyable than I would've predicted. I was expecting something more mysterious and thrilling, but 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' manages to entertain nicely - despite a long run time, which I thought was going to hamper it but it didn't. The cast are excellent. I really enjoyed John Cusack's performance and Kevin Spacey plays these sorta roles well. The Lady Chablis is another strong performer, while there are roles for a younger Jude Law, Clint Eastwood - the director - regular Geoffrey Lewis and, though very tiny, an on the brink of stardom James Gandolfini. Well worth a watch!
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
