The Accused
Performance & Direction: The Accused Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Accused (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Accused features a noteworthy lineup led by Jodie Foster . Supported by the likes of Kelly McGillis and Bernie Coulson , 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 The Accused (1988) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Accused
Quick Plot Summary: The Accused is a Crime, Drama film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Out drinking one night after a fight with her boyfriend, three men brutally rape Sarah Tobias in a bar while people watch and cheer. District Attorney Kathryn Murphy takes the case; however, she allows the rapists to receive a mild sentence. A distraught Sarah decides to seek punishment for the men who witnessed and encouraged the rape. To get justice, Sarah must take the stand and revisit the night of her attack. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Accused
Ending Breakdown: The Accused resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 The Accused reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Accused Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Accused incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama 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: The Accused adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Accused?
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
Top Cast: The Accused
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Accused Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
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Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Accused Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about The Accused age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Accused is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Accused is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Accused worth watching?
The Accused is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Accused parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Accused identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Accused?
The total duration of The Accused is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Accused
We start this film with the image of a young woman, half dressed, running in the rain screaming for help. It turns out she is "Sarah" (Jodie Foster) and after a passer-by takes her to hospital we learn that she has been gang raped in the games room of a bar. Deputy DA "Murphy" (Kelly McGillis) is assigned to the case, and although she believes her client, she is reluctant to prosecute as she doesn't think she can win. Her DA boss "Rudolph" (Carmen Argenziano) insists that they must change the accused three men with something, so they settle on a lesser charge after some plea bargaining. Needless to say, "Sarah" is livid, and tempers really flare when one of the other men from the bar that night, goads her into ramming her car into his. This is the point when the ambitious lawyer has a bit of a volte-face and despite the objections this time of her boss, she initiates a prosecution of the others in the bar for egging on the rapists - criminal solicitation. Can she prove these men are guilty? If so, that will also ensure those who got off lightly will also end up serving full sentences and have the nature of their sexual assaults placed on their criminal records. Foster is impressive here. She offers us a compelling portrayal of a young woman who suffers an heinous assault and struggles for justice. McGillis also delivers well, as does Bernie Coulson - the young "Ken" upon whom much of the chances of conviction rest. The graphically violent scenes towards the end of the trial stages are harrowing, disturbing and effective, and they also provide for an unnervingly nauseating performance from the vocal architect of her assault "Scorpion" (Leo Rossi). The drama is tough to watch, and offers food for thought as to just how victims can ever receive fair treatment in a legal environment that all too frequently takes a "was she asking for it?" approach, and is so oft just automatically stacked against them.
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.
