Is The Candidate Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Candidate is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Candidate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1964, The Candidate emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Samantha, a hard working modern woman who, because of a chance encounter with senatorial candidate Frank Carlton, is offered a job by conniving campaign runner Eric aiming to work for the prospective senator. Unlike standard genre fare, The Candidate 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 The Candidate features a noteworthy lineup led by Mamie Van Doren . Supported by the likes of Ted Knight and June Wilkinson , 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 Candidate (1964) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Candidate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Candidate is a Drama 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.
The Candidate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Candidate attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 The Candidate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Candidate?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Candidate
- Mamie Van Doren – Christine Ashley
- Ted Knight – Frank Carlton
- June Wilkinson – Angela Wallace
- Ernesto Macias – Buddy Barker
- Calvin Brown – Capitol Guard
Top Highlights
Mamie Van DorenChristine Ashley
Ted KnightFrank Carlton
June WilkinsonAngela Wallace
Ernesto MaciasBuddy Barker
Calvin BrownCapitol Guard
Where to Watch The Candidate Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Troma NOWParents Guide & Age Rating
The Candidate has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Candidate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Candidate movie hit or flop?
The Candidate has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Candidate worth watching?
The Candidate is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Candidate online?
The Candidate is currently available for streaming on Troma NOW. You can also check for it on platforms like Troma NOW depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Candidate
How The Candidate Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Candidate
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
