Shallow Grave
Performance & Direction: Shallow Grave Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Shallow Grave (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shallow Grave features a noteworthy lineup led by Tony March . Supported by the likes of Lisa Stahl and Tom Law , 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 Shallow Grave (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Shallow Grave
Quick Plot Summary: Shallow Grave is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Shallow Grave
Ending Breakdown: Shallow Grave attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Shallow Grave reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Shallow Grave?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Shallow Grave
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Shallow Grave Online?
Streaming HubShallow Grave Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Shallow Grave age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Shallow Grave is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.8/10, and global collection metrics, Shallow Grave stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shallow Grave worth watching?
Shallow Grave is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Shallow Grave parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Shallow Grave identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Shallow Grave?
The total duration of Shallow Grave is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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Critic Reviews for Shallow Grave
**_“Hidden gem” from the mid-80s in the thriller/horror category_** Four females from a Catholic college in Virginia head to Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break, but inadvertently see something they shouldn’t have seen in a Southern town along the way. Havoc ensues. "Shallow Grave" (1987) begins with an homage to “Psycho,” but it’s more of an adventure/crime thriller than a slasher. Movies from the early 80s like “First Blood,” “Trapped,” aka "Baker County, USA,” and “Murder in Coweta County” come to mind. It starts fun and amusing, keeping with the college girls traveling to Spring Break motif, yet takes a deadly serious turn in the second act, becoming suspenseful till the uncertain climax. Brunette Donna Baltron stands out on the feminine front as Rose; too bad her role isn’t bigger. On the other side of the gender spectrum, Tony March is notable as the hairy-chested Sheriff. There’s an interesting subtext on the domino effect of negative decisions, which can lead to desperation and committing the most awful acts imaginable. Even the best of us is susceptible, so don’t make the initial bad decision in the first place (in this case, adultery). Other themes include injustice, the corruption of an authority figure and the responsibility of those in subordinate positions. It runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Medley, Florida, which is 15 miles northwest of Miami and 30 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale. GRADE: B
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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.
