Is Tell-Tale Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Tell-Tale is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Tell-Tale Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Tell-Tale emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A man's recently transplanted heart leads him on a frantic search to find the donor's killer before a similar fate befalls him. Unlike standard genre fare, Tell-Tale attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Tell-Tale features a noteworthy lineup led by Josh Lucas . Supported by the likes of Lena Headey and Brian Cox , 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 Tell-Tale (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Tell-Tale Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Tell-Tale is a Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Tell-Tale Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Tell-Tale attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Tell-Tale reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Tell-Tale?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Tell-Tale Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Tell-Tale Budget
The estimated production budget for Tell-Tale is $12.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Tell-Tale
- Josh Lucas – Terry
- Lena Headey – Elizabeth
- Brian Cox – Van Doren
- Bea Miller – Angela
- Dallas Roberts – The Surgeon
Top Highlights
Josh LucasTerry
Lena HeadeyElizabeth
Brian CoxVan Doren
Bea MillerAngela
Dallas RobertsThe Surgeon
Ulrich ThomsenLethe
Pablo SchreiberCochius
Jamie HarroldStanovich
Tom Riis FarrellLegethon
Michael Kenneth WilliamsAcherton
Where to Watch Tell-Tale Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Tell-Tale has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Tell-Tale stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tell-Tale movie hit or flop?
Tell-Tale has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Tell-Tale worth watching?
Tell-Tale is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Horror, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Tell-Tale online?
Tell-Tale 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.
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How Tell-Tale Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Tell-Tale
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
