Is Repulsion Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Repulsion is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Repulsion Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1965, Repulsion emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Beautiful young manicurist Carole suffers from androphobia (the pathological fear of interaction with men). Unlike standard genre fare, Repulsion attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Repulsion features a noteworthy lineup led by Catherine Deneuve . Supported by the likes of Ian Hendry and John Fraser , 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 Repulsion (1965) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Repulsion Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Repulsion is a Drama, Thriller, Horror 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.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Beautiful young manicurist Carole suffers from androphobia (the pathological fear of interaction with men). When her sister and roommate, Helen, leaves their London flat to go on an Italian holiday with her married boyfriend, Carole withdraws into her apartment. She begins to experience frightful hallucinations, her fear gradually mutating into madness. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Repulsion Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Repulsion resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Repulsion reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Repulsion?
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
Repulsion Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $300.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Repulsion Budget
The estimated production budget for Repulsion is $300.0K. 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 Repulsion
- Catherine Deneuve – Carol Ledoux
- Ian Hendry – Michael
- John Fraser – Colin
- Yvonne Furneaux – Hélène Ledoux
- Patrick Wymark – le propriétaire
Top Highlights
Catherine DeneuveCarol Ledoux
Ian HendryMichael
John FraserColin
Yvonne FurneauxHélène Ledoux
Patrick Wymarkle propriétaire
Renée HoustonMme Balch
Valerie TaylorMme Denise
James VilliersJohn
Helen FraserBrigitte
Monica MerlinMme Rendesham
Where to Watch Repulsion Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Repulsion is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Repulsion stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1965 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Repulsion movie hit or flop?
Repulsion is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Thriller, Horror movies.
Is Repulsion worth watching?
Yes, Repulsion is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Thriller, Horror cinema.
Where can I watch Repulsion online?
Repulsion 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 Repulsion Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Repulsion
Repulsion is an alarming and compelling psychological thriller that presents an unsettling exploration of a woman's descent into madness. Polanski masterfully creates an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread. What sets this film apart is its bold decision to centre the narrative on a female protagonist who, in a rare move for the genre, is the killer rather than the victim. The film's chilling portrayal of isolation and paranoia lingers long after the credits roll, making it an unforgettable entry in psychological horror.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
