Stigma Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 13, 2026
Movie Overview: Stigma
| Movie | Stigma |
| Release Year | 1972 |
| Director | David E. Durston |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 93 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Stigma (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Stigma are led by Philip Michael Thomas . The supporting cast, including Harlan Cary Poe and Josie Johnson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Stigma does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Stigma has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Stigma
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1972, Stigma is a Drama film directed by David E. Durston. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Philip Michael Thomas.
Ending Explained: Stigma
Stigma Ending Explained: Directed by David E. Durston, Stigma attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Philip Michael Thomas. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Stigma reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Stigma?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Stigma
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Stigma Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoStigma Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about Stigma age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Stigma is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.6/10, and global performance metrics, Stigma is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stigma worth watching?
Stigma is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.6/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Stigma parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Stigma identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Stigma?
The total duration of Stigma is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.
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How Stigma Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stigma
**_The kiss of death on a Massachusetts Island_** A young black doctor (Philip Michael Thomas), who made the mistake of performing an abortion that went wrong, travels to an isolated coastal community for a gig with a mentor whereupon he faces unforeseen challenges, including prejudice and a mysterious outbreak. “Stigma” (1972) is a drama with some seedy aspects despite taking place in a traditional white bread community. While not a blaxploitation flick, the protagonist angle was obviously influenced by that genre, à la the soon-to-come “The Beast Must Die.” The set-up is reminiscent of “In the Heat of the Night” with some elements that would influence “The Wicker Man,” which (surprisingly) wouldn’t debut until the next year. Then there’s the youthful “free love” aspect of, say, “The Harrad Experiment,” which also came out the next year. The film features a little comedy, an anti-racist message, a bit o’ softcore nudity and some thrills in the last act, but the public service announcement concerning VD is laid on a little too thick. Less is more. Still, Philip Michael Thomas is very good as the protagonist and seems older than 22 (which was his age during shooting). At the end of the day, it’s an interesting window into life in America in 1971, when the flick was shot. The zenith of the “free love” counterculture era was just two years prior and “Stigma” shockingly shows the natural consequences of that mentality and lifestyle. The writer/director took a maverick Indie approach to the material and should've gone on to greatness, but he didn't, unfortunately. Thankfully, we have this unique flick to remember him by. The movie runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot entirely in Massachusetts—Cambridge, Boston, Cape Cod (island town) and Nantucket. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
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.
