Is The Inquisitor Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Inquisitor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Inquisitor Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, The Inquisitor emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Martinaud, an illustrious notary suspected of being the perpetrator of two horrendous crimes, voluntarily agrees to be questioned by Inspector Gallien on New Year's Eve. Unlike standard genre fare, The Inquisitor attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Inquisitor features a noteworthy lineup led by Lino Ventura . Supported by the likes of Michel Serrault and Romy Schneider , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Inquisitor (1981) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.6/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Inquisitor Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Inquisitor is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Inquisitor Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Inquisitor resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
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 in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Inquisitor demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Inquisitor Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Inquisitor incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller 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 Inquisitor successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Inquisitor?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre filmmaking
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Inquisitor
- Lino Ventura – Inspector Antoine Gallien
- Michel Serrault – Jérôme Martinaud
- Romy Schneider – Chantal Martinaud
- Guy Marchand – Inspector Marcel Belmont
- Pierre Maguelon – Inspector Adami
Top Highlights
Lino VenturaInspector Antoine Gallien
Michel SerraultJérôme Martinaud
Romy SchneiderChantal Martinaud
Guy MarchandInspector Marcel Belmont
Pierre MaguelonInspector Adami
Serge MalikMechanic
Jean-Claude PenchenatDivisional Commissioner
Yves PignotPoliceman in Raincoat
Mathieu SchiffmanSon Berthier
Didier AgostiniYoung policeman
Where to Watch The Inquisitor Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Videobuster🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesVideobusterParents Guide & Age Rating
The Inquisitor has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Drama, Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Inquisitor stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Inquisitor movie hit or flop?
The Inquisitor is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies.
Is The Inquisitor worth watching?
Yes, The Inquisitor is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch The Inquisitor online?
The Inquisitor 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.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Inquisitor
How The Inquisitor Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Inquisitor
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.
Useful Links
Browse All Box Office ReportsGlobal Hit-or-Flop VerdictsIs it Worth Watching? GuideIs The Inquisitor Worth Watching?The Inquisitor Box Office VerdictThe Inquisitor Collection & BudgetWhere to Watch The Inquisitor OnlineBest Movies of 1981Top Rated Crime MoviesMore Crime MoviesMore Drama MoviesLino Ventura Movies & Hits
