Sympathy for the Devil
Performance & Direction: Sympathy for the Devil Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sympathy for the Devil (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sympathy for the Devil features a noteworthy lineup led by Joel Kinnaman . Supported by the likes of Nicolas Cage and Alexis Zollicoffer , 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 Sympathy for the Devil (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: Sympathy for the Devil
Quick Plot Summary: Sympathy for the Devil is a Thriller, Action 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.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. After being forced to drive a mysterious passenger at gunpoint, a man finds himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse where it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Sympathy for the Devil
Ending Breakdown: Sympathy for the Devil attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Sympathy for the Devil reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sympathy for the Devil?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Sympathy for the Devil
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Sympathy for the Devil Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelSympathy for the Devil Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about Sympathy for the Devil age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sympathy for the Devil is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Sympathy for the Devil is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sympathy for the Devil worth watching?
Sympathy for the Devil is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sympathy for the Devil parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sympathy for the Devil identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Sympathy for the Devil?
The total duration of Sympathy for the Devil is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
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Critic Reviews for Sympathy for the Devil
If you’re a big fan of Nicolas Cage, then _Sympathy for the Devil_ is worthwhile. Cage’s role as the passenger is like an amplified version of Castor Troy from _Face/Off_ with a touch of Frank Booth from _Blue Velvet_; he is totally and relentlessly unhinged with a killer violent streak. His chemistry with Joel Kinnaman is intriguing, as well. Cage is the one pulling all of the powerful punches, but Kinnaman dodges and weaves like a pro; he’s the unsung hero of their interactions. But the storytelling in the film is clunky at best. Most of the energy of writing the film seemed to go into getting these two characters together. Once _Sympathy for the Devil_ starts diving into the motivation behind each character is when it starts to fall apart. **Full review:** http://hub.me/aq8ah
This film is bonkers, Nicholas Cage is in rare maniacal form with his performance. Sociopaths are my least favorite persons I share the planet with, and I've found the performance here to fire me up beyond reasons, bravo Mr. Cage. The brutal madness is inspired and quite extraordinary, and it's worthy of a watch to anyone who can except the viciousness of t the film. This is a story inspired by what can only be unending pain, and I felt it so deep as a viewer that I am grateful for this experience.
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.
