Alone in the Small Hours Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Alone in the Small Hours
| Movie | Alone in the Small Hours |
| Release Year | 1978 |
| Director | José Luis Garci |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 102 minutes (1h 42m) |
| Language | ES |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Alone in the Small Hours (1978) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Alone in the Small Hours are led by José Sacristán . The supporting cast, including Fiorella Faltoyano and Emma Cohen , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Alone in the Small Hours does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Alone in the Small Hours has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Alone in the Small Hours
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1978, Alone in the Small Hours is a Drama film directed by José Luis Garci, written by José Luis Garci. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving José Sacristán as José Miguel García Carande.
Ending Explained: Alone in the Small Hours
Alone in the Small Hours Ending Explained: Jose, a journalist and radio broadcaster, runs a daily program which has garnered a huge national audience as a satirical chronicle of Spanish society in the democratic transition of the late 1970s. Directed by José Luis Garci, this 1978 drama film stars José Sacristán (José Miguel García Carande), alongside Fiorella Faltoyano as Elena Gutiérrez del Castillo, Emma Cohen as Mayte Villalba, María Casanova as Lola González. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Alone in the Small Hours?
Jose, a journalist and radio broadcaster, runs a daily program which has garnered a huge national audience as a satirical chronicle of Spanish society in the democratic transition of the late 1970s. Married and separated from Elena, Jose has two children, whom he only sees from time to time. Then he meets Maite, younger than him, outgoing and more open-minded than he wants. The emotional shock caused by his relationship with these two women will change his pessimistic view of life.
José Luis Garci's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on José Sacristán (José Miguel García Carande)'s journey. Married and separated from Elena, Jose has two children, whom he only sees from time to time.
How Does José Sacristán (José Miguel García Carande)'s Story End?
- José Sacristán: José Sacristán's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Fiorella Faltoyano (Elena Gutiérrez del Castillo): Fiorella Faltoyano's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Emma Cohen (Mayte Villalba): Emma Cohen's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Alone in the Small Hours Mean?
Alone in the Small Hours's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving José Sacristán may feel rushed. José Luis Garci's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Alone in the Small Hours Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Alone in the Small Hours Based on a True Story?
No, Alone in the Small Hours is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by José Luis Garci and starring José Sacristán may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Alone in the Small Hours?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of José Sacristán or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Alone in the Small Hours Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
FlixOléAlone in the Small Hours Parents Guide & Age Rating
1978 AdvisoryWondering about Alone in the Small Hours age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Alone in the Small Hours (1978) is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Directed by José Luis Garci, the film runs for 102 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Alone in the Small Hours is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1978 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alone in the Small Hours worth watching?
Alone in the Small Hours is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Alone in the Small Hours parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Alone in the Small Hours identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Alone in the Small Hours (1978)?
The runtime of Alone in the Small Hours (1978) is 102 minutes (approximately 1h 42m).
movieMx Verified
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.
