Is Polly Perverse Strikes Again! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1986)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1986, Polly Perverse Strikes Again! represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Out of Nick Huxley's past comes Theresa, a social disease who sleeps with anything that moves and who has decided that she wants Nick back. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Out of Nick Huxley's past comes Theresa, a social disease who sleeps with anything that moves and who has decided that she wants Nick back. Nick, a successful photographer with a stable relationship, is determined to banish Theresa and youthful folly from his life. But neither Nick's girlfriend Arliss, a modern spirit who believes in driving buried emotions out in the open, nor Theresa, who seems to have an unseen power on her side, are willing to let it go at that..."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Strawn Bovee ensure that the emotional beats of Polly Perverse Strikes Again! always land with sufficient weight. Strawn Bovee provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Dan Sallitt is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 98 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Polly Perverse Strikes Again! truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Polly Perverse Strikes Again! explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1986 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Dan Sallitt respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Polly Perverse Strikes Again! serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Strawn Bovee or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Polly Perverse Strikes Again! is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.