Is Q Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Q is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Q Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Q emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Horror, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A fleeing gangland flunky discovers the New York nest of Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl, the man-eating flying serpent. Unlike standard genre fare, Q attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Q features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Moriarty . Supported by the likes of Candy Clark and David Carradine , 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 Q (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Q Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Q is a Crime, Horror, Mystery film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Q Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Q attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Q reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Q Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Q incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, horror, mystery film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
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: Q adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
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
Q Box Office Collection
| 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Q
- Michael Moriarty – Jimmy Quinn
- Candy Clark – Joan
- David Carradine – Shepard
- Richard Roundtree – Powell
- James Dixon – Lt. Murray
Top Highlights
Michael MoriartyJimmy Quinn
Candy ClarkJoan
David CarradineShepard
Richard RoundtreePowell
James DixonLt. Murray
Malachy McCourtCommissioner
Fred J. ScollayCapt. Fletcher
Peter HockDet. Clifford
Ron CeyDet. Hoberman
Mary Louise WellerMrs. Pauley
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
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Q is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Q stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Q movie hit or flop?
Q has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Q worth watching?
Q is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Horror, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Q online?
Q is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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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 analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
