Is Stir Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Stir is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Stir Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1980, Stir emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Action, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Filmed in the Clare Valley, Gladstone and the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, this prison movie was inspired by the true life prison riot at Bathurst Jail in 1974 and its subsequent Royal Commission into New South Wales Prisons. Unlike standard genre fare, Stir attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stir features a noteworthy lineup led by Bryan Brown . Supported by the likes of Max Phipps and Dennis Miller , 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 Stir (1980) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Stir Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Stir is a Thriller, Action, Drama film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Stir Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Stir concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stir reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stir?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Stir Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $420.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Stir Budget
The estimated production budget for Stir is $420.0K. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Stir
- Bryan Brown – China Jackson
- Max Phipps – Norton
- Dennis Miller – Redford
- Gary Waddell – Dave
- Phil Motherwell – Alby
Top Highlights
Bryan BrownChina Jackson
Max PhippsNorton
Dennis MillerRedford
Gary WaddellDave
Phil MotherwellAlby
Michael GowAndrew
Edward RobshawPartidge
Tex MortonThe Govenor (as Robert 'Tex' Morton)
Ray MarshallChalmers
Syd HeylenOld Bob
Where to Watch Stir Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Eternal Family🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Stir has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller, Action, Drama), it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Stir stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1980 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stir movie hit or flop?
Stir has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Stir worth watching?
Stir is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Action, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Stir online?
Stir is currently available for streaming on Eternal Family. You can also check for it on platforms like Eternal Family depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Stir
How Stir Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stir
Nails! Directed by Stephen Wallace and written by Bob Jewson, Stir stars Bryan Brown, Max Phipps, Dennis Miller, Gary Waddell and Phil Motherwell. Music is by Cameron Allan and cinematography by Geoff Burton. Stir is a tough Australian prison drama based on the real life prison riot that occurred at Bathurst Gaol 1974. Writer Bob Jewson was an inmate at the time and draws on his observations for the screenplay. The standard rules of prison dramas are adhered to here, sadistic guards, homosexuality (though tenderly handled and not involving rape), poor conditions etc. Where Stir lifts itself into the upper echelons of similar genre pictures is with the characterisations, they are credibly written and performed. There are a number of human interest stories running through the plot, none of which involve outsiders, which is a bonus as we all are cemented in this concrete and iron jungle. While the mounting tension is unbearable at times, headed up by the terrific Brown who is pumped with snake eyed hardness and coiled spring intensity. Criminally under seen, Stir is as tough as steel toe-capped boots and demands to be labelled as essential viewing for those interested in penal based movies. 8/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
