Is Art of Deception Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Art of Deception is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Art of Deception Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Art of Deception emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After uncovering the CIA’s ruthless master plan for world domination by gaining complete mind control over the entire population, top scientist Joseph Markham is ultimately left with a choice: save the lives of billions…or the life of his wife, who has been kidnapped, interrogated, and brutally tortured but continues to viciously fight for her life. Unlike standard genre fare, Art of Deception attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Richard Ryan, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Action elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Art of Deception features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Ryan. Supported by the likes of Jackie Nova and Leon van Waas, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Richard Ryan, Jackie Nova, Leon van Waas manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2019 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Action, Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Art of Deception is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Art of Deception follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 96 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Art of Deception resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Action landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.6/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Art of Deception is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into nature of power. After uncovering the CIA’s ruthless master plan for world domination by gaining complete mind control over the entire population, top scientist Joseph Markham is ultimately left with a choice: save the lives of billions…or the life of his wife, who has been kidnapped, interrogated, and brutally tortured but continues to viciously fight for her life. As a nationwide manhunt ensues, deadly assassins pursue, and one man’s decision will determine the fate of the world. Art of Deception is about a fight for life, love and world dominance.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Art of Deception (2019) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.6/10 and strong performance metrics in the Action, Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Richard Ryan, Jackie Nova, Leon van Waas or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Art of Deception is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2019. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Art of Deception Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Fandor🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Art of Deception has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Action, Thriller), viewers should expect violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.6/10, and global collection metrics, Art of Deception stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Art of Deception movie hit or flop?
Art of Deception is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.6/10 and lower collections.
Is Art of Deception worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.6/10, Art of Deception may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Art of Deception online?
Art of Deception is currently available for streaming on Fandor. You can also check for it on platforms like Fandor depending on your region.
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Synopsis
After uncovering the CIA’s ruthless master plan for world domination by gaining complete mind control over the entire population, top scientist Joseph Markham is ultimately left with a choice: save the lives of billions…or the life of his wife, who has been kidnapped, interrogated, and brutally tortured but continues to viciously fight for her life. As a nationwide manhunt ensues, deadly assassins pursue, and one man’s decision will determine the fate of the world. Art of Deception is about a fight for life, love and world dominance.