Is Rivals Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Rivals is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rivals Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1972, Rivals emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A boy with an unhealthy and pathological attachment to his mother becomes increasingly jealous of the new man in her life. Unlike standard genre fare, Rivals 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 Rivals features a noteworthy lineup led by Joan Hackett . Supported by the likes of Robert Klein and Scott Jacoby , 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 Rivals (1972) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Rivals Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Rivals 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.
Rivals Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Rivals attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Rivals reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rivals?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Rivals
- Joan Hackett – Christine
- Robert Klein – Peter
- Scott Jacoby – Jamie
- Jeanne Tanzy – Mary
- Glen Hayes – Douglas
Top Highlights
Joan HackettChristine
Robert KleinPeter
Scott JacobyJamie
Jeanne TanzyMary
Glen HayesDouglas
Phoebe DorinMadge
James KarenChild Psychiatrist
Randy DigeronimoTony
Frank FiorePhil
Bill HerndonBob
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Rivals is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Rivals stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rivals movie hit or flop?
Rivals has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rivals worth watching?
Rivals 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 Rivals online?
Rivals 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 Rivals Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Rivals
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
