Is Stiff Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Stiff is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Stiff Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2004, Stiff emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Comedy, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An amusing and entertaining film, "Stiff" showcases David Wenham as Murray Whelan, political fixer and amateur investigator. Unlike standard genre fare, Stiff attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stiff features a noteworthy lineup led by David Wenham . Supported by the likes of Mick Molloy and Deborah Kennedy , 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 Stiff (2004) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Stiff Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Stiff is a Crime, Comedy, TV Movie 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.
Stiff Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Stiff resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stiff reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Stiff Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Stiff incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, comedy, tv movie film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Stiff adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Stiff?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Stiff
- David Wenham – Murray Whelan
- Mick Molloy – Angelo Agnelli
- Deborah Kennedy – Trish
- Sam Neill – Lionel Merricks
- Julian O'Donnell – Red Whelan
Top Highlights
David WenhamMurray Whelan
Mick MolloyAngelo Agnelli
Deborah KennedyTrish
Sam NeillLionel Merricks
Julian O'DonnellRed Whelan
Robyn ButlerWendy Whelan
Darren CaseyAdam Ant
Tamara SearleAyisha
Alan HopgoodHerb Gardiner
Alan BroughMcGuire
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Stiff has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Comedy, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Stiff stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2004 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stiff movie hit or flop?
Stiff is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Comedy, TV Movie movies.
Is Stiff worth watching?
Yes, Stiff is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Comedy, TV Movie cinema.
Where can I watch Stiff online?
Stiff 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.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Stiff
How Stiff Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stiff
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with David Wenham
The Making of 'The Return of the King'
The Making of 'The Two Towers'
Oscar Wilde's the Nightingale and the Rose