Q
Q Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Q
| Movie | Q |
| Release Year | 1982 |
| Director | Larry Cohen |
| Genre | Crime / Horror / Mystery |
| Runtime | 92 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Q (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Q are led by Michael Moriarty . The supporting cast, including Candy Clark and David Carradine , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Q does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Q has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Q
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Q is a Crime, Horror, Mystery film directed by Larry Cohen. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Moriarty.
Ending Explained: Q
Q Ending Explained: Directed by Larry Cohen, Q attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core crime themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Michael Moriarty. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the crime themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Q reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Q Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Q Based on a True Story?
Q draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a crime, horror, mystery film directed by Larry Cohen, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Q uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Q?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Q
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Q Budget
The estimated production budget for Q is $1.2M. 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.
Top Cast: Q
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Q Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Philo
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreYouTubeFandango At HomeQ Parents Guide & Age Rating
1982 AdvisoryWondering about Q age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Q is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Q is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Q worth watching?
Q is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Q parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Q identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Q?
The total duration of Q is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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How Q Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Q
***Amusing Big City monster flick featuring Quetzalcoatl*** As two Manhattan detectives (David Carradine and Richard Roundtree) investigate deaths linked to Aztecan ritual a huge winged serpent begins preying on citizens. A piano-playing street thug (Michael Moriarty) claims to know where its nest is located and makes a deal with the authorities. Could the beast be Quetzalcoatl? Larry Cohen’s "Q" (1982), aka “Q: The Winged Serpent,” is a Grade B creature feature with a wink of humor. Imagine “Wolfen” (1981) if it wasn’t so artsy and didn’t take itself so seriously, albeit with a different monster, and you’d have a good picture of “Q.” Moriarty cops a serious Bill Burr vibe as the two-bit hood while Carradine & Roundtree seem to be enjoying themselves as tough Big City investigators. Speaking of the city, this is a great way to view New York City in the early 80s. Unfortunately, Cohen drops the ball in the female department as he doesn’t know how to take advantage of the feminine resources and opportunities (and I’m not tawkin’ bout nudity or sleaze, just effective photography of women). Nevertheless, the flick’s entertaining and shouldn’t be as obscure as it is. It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Manhattan with focus on the Chrysler Building. GRADE: B/B-
This could have been so much better if the casting were not so dreadful. As it is, it's only a passable adventure that sees two cops - David Carradine and Richard Rowntree on the case of a murderer who ruthlessly decapitates his victims - usually whilst they are seemingly impregnable on a rooftop, or somewhere equally lofty. Meantime, "Quinn" (Michael Moriarty) is trying to stay one step ahead of some folks he owes money too, and whilst hiding atop the Empire State Building, happens upon something startling! As the killings intensify, and sightings of a strange creature are reported to the police, he does a deal with them to reveal what might just be it's nest. The story is fine - but there are just way few appearances from our mysterious beastie, and the plot is also cluttered up with some Inca ritualim too. When we do see "Q" - well Ray Harryhausen it isn't. It has a cheap version of the "Hammer" look to it, and the acting and dialogue are no better. It's rated 'X', but I suspect that is because there is some nudity, there is nothing at all remotely scary to see here.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
