Performance & Direction: Trial by Terror Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Trial by Terror (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 3.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Trial by Terror features a noteworthy lineup led by Martin Landau . Supported by the likes of Kay Lenz and Alma Martinez , 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 Trial by Terror (1983) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Trial by Terror
Quick Plot Summary: Trial by Terror is a Thriller, Horror 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.
Ending Explained: Trial by Terror
Ending Breakdown: Trial by Terror 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 Trial by Terror reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Trial by Terror?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Trial by Terror
All Cast & Crew →
Trial by Terror Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about Trial by Terror age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Trial by Terror is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3/10, and global collection metrics, Trial by Terror stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1983 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trial by Terror worth watching?
Trial by Terror is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Trial by Terror parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Trial by Terror identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Trial by Terror?
The total duration of Trial by Terror is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
How Trial by Terror Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Trial by Terror
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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.
