Is The Dead Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Dead is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Dead Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, The Dead emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After a convivial holiday dinner party, things begin to unravel when a husband and wife address some prickly issues concerning their marriage. Unlike standard genre fare, The Dead 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 Dead features a noteworthy lineup led by Anjelica Huston . Supported by the likes of Donal McCann and Dan O'Herlihy , 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 Dead (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Dead Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Dead 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 Dead Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Dead concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Dead reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Dead?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Dead Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Dead Budget
The estimated production budget for The Dead is $3.5M. 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 The Dead
- Anjelica Huston – Gretta Conroy
- Donal McCann – Gabriel Conroy
- Dan O'Herlihy – Mr. Browne
- Helena Carroll – Aunt Kate
- Cathleen Delany – Aunt Julia
Top Highlights
Anjelica HustonGretta Conroy
Donal McCannGabriel Conroy
Dan O'HerlihyMr. Browne
Helena CarrollAunt Kate
Cathleen DelanyAunt Julia
Ingrid CraigieMary Jane
Donal DonnellyFreddy Malins
Colm MeaneyMr. Bergin
Rachael DowlingLily
Marie KeanMrs. Malins
Where to Watch The Dead Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Dead is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Dead stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dead movie hit or flop?
The Dead has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Dead worth watching?
The Dead 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 Dead online?
The Dead is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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How The Dead Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Dead
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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.
