Is The Rival Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Rival is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Rival Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2006, The Rival emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When Alice loses her baby in an act of violence, she learns she cannot have children on her own. Unlike standard genre fare, The Rival attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Rival features a noteworthy lineup led by Tracy Nelson . Supported by the likes of Linden Ashby and Heather Tom , 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 Rival (2006) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Rival Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Rival is a Thriller, TV Movie film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Rival Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Rival attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Rival reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Rival?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Rival
- Tracy Nelson – Alice Miller
- Linden Ashby – George Miller
- Heather Tom – Jennifer Adams
- Jenna Wheeler-Hughes – Sarah
Top Highlights
Tracy NelsonAlice Miller
Linden AshbyGeorge Miller
Heather TomJennifer Adams
Jenna Wheeler-HughesSarah
Where to Watch The Rival Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Rival has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Rival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rival movie hit or flop?
The Rival is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.5/10 and lower collections.
Is The Rival worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.5/10, The Rival may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Rival online?
The Rival 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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How The Rival Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Rival
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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