Performance & Direction: The Penultimate Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Penultimate (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Penultimate features a noteworthy lineup led by Pierre Jolivet . Supported by the likes of Jean Reno and Fabrice Roche , 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 Penultimate (1981) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.4/10, it stands as a challenging project that may struggle to find an audience.
Story & Plot Summary: The Penultimate
Quick Plot Summary: The Penultimate is a Action, Science Fiction, Drama, Fantasy film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Penultimate
Ending Breakdown: The Penultimate attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Penultimate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Penultimate?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Penultimate
All Cast & Crew →The Penultimate Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about The Penultimate age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Penultimate is 12 minutes (12m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Penultimate is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Penultimate worth watching?
The Penultimate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 4.4/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Penultimate parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Penultimate identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Penultimate?
The total duration of The Penultimate is 12 minutes, which is approximately 0h 12m long.
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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.












