Performance & Direction: The Drifter Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Drifter (1944) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of NR. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Drifter features a noteworthy lineup led by Buster Crabbe . Supported by the likes of Al St. John and Carol Parker , 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 Drifter (1944) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Drifter
Quick Plot Summary: The Drifter is a Western film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Drifter
Ending Breakdown: The Drifter attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Drifter reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Drifter?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Drifter
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The Drifter Parents Guide & Age Rating
1944 AdvisoryWondering about The Drifter age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Drifter is 62 minutes (1h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The Drifter stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1944 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Drifter worth watching?
The Drifter is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 0/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Drifter parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Drifter identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Drifter?
The total duration of The Drifter is 62 minutes, which is approximately 1h 2m long.
How The Drifter Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Drifter
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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.
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