Is The Moderns Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Moderns is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 126 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Moderns Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, The Moderns emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Nick Hart is a struggling American artist who lives amongst the expatriate community in 1920s Paris. Unlike standard genre fare, The Moderns attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Moderns features a noteworthy lineup led by Keith Carradine . Supported by the likes of Linda Fiorentino and Wallace Shawn , 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 Moderns (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Moderns Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Moderns is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Moderns Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Moderns attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Moderns reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Moderns?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Moderns
- Keith Carradine – Nick Hart
- Linda Fiorentino – Rachel Stone
- Wallace Shawn – Oiseau
- Geneviève Bujold – Libby Valentin
- Geraldine Chaplin – Nathalie de Ville
Top Highlights
Keith CarradineNick Hart
Linda FiorentinoRachel Stone
Wallace ShawnOiseau
Geneviève BujoldLibby Valentin
Geraldine ChaplinNathalie de Ville
Kevin J. O'ConnorHemingway
John LoneBertram Stone
Charlélie CoutureL'Evidence
Elsa RavenGertrude Stein
Ali GironAlice B. Toklas
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Moderns is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Moderns stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Moderns movie hit or flop?
The Moderns has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Moderns worth watching?
The Moderns is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Moderns online?
The Moderns 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.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
