Is Oedipus Rex Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Oedipus Rex is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Oedipus Rex Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1957, Oedipus Rex emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The story of Oedipus' gradual discovery of his primal crime, killing his father and marrying his mother, filmed by the famed British theatrical director Sir Tyrone Guthrie. Unlike standard genre fare, Oedipus Rex 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 Oedipus Rex features a noteworthy lineup led by Douglas Campbell . Supported by the likes of Eleanor Stuart and Robert Goodier , 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 Oedipus Rex (1957) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Oedipus Rex Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Oedipus Rex 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.
Oedipus Rex Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Oedipus Rex concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Oedipus Rex reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Oedipus Rex?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Oedipus Rex
- Douglas Campbell – Oedipus
- Eleanor Stuart – Jocasta
- Robert Goodier – Creon
- Donald Davis – Tiresias
- Douglas Rain – Messenger
Top Highlights
Douglas CampbellOedipus
Eleanor StuartJocasta
Robert GoodierCreon
Donald DavisTiresias
Douglas RainMessenger
William HuttChorus Leader
Tony Van BridgeMan From Corinth
Eric HouseShepherd / Old Priest
Robert ChristieChorus
Ted FollowsChorus
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Oedipus Rex has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Oedipus Rex stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1957 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oedipus Rex movie hit or flop?
Oedipus Rex has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Oedipus Rex worth watching?
Oedipus Rex 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 Oedipus Rex online?
Oedipus Rex 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
