Is Arthur Hailey's Detective Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Arthur Hailey's Detective is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 171 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Arthur Hailey's Detective Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2005, Arthur Hailey's Detective enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on Detective Sergeant Malcolm Ainslie, a Catholic priest turned distinguished investigator for the police, has agreed to hear the confession of a convicted serial killer sentenced to death in a just a matter of hours. Under the direction of David S. Cass Sr., the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tom Berenger. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Arthur Hailey's Detective offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 171-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Arthur Hailey's Detective resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Arthur Hailey's Detective is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also featured on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with Ads. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Arthur Hailey's Detective centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. Detective Sergeant Malcolm Ainslie, a Catholic priest turned distinguished investigator for the police, has agreed to hear the confession of a convicted serial killer sentenced to death in a just a matter of hours. What he promises to reveal to Ainslie is the truth behind the crimes and the reason he confessed to the one crime Ainslie doesn't even believe he committed. What unfolds between the two men is a serpentine trail into both men's pasts based on the bestseller from master storyteller Arthur Hailey. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2005 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Arthur Hailey's Detective has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Arthur Hailey's Detective sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Arthur Hailey's Detective (2005): with an audience rating of 4.5/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Arthur Hailey's Detective Online?
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Arthur Hailey's Detective is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.5/10, and global collection metrics, Arthur Hailey's Detective stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthur Hailey's Detective movie hit or flop?
Arthur Hailey's Detective is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Arthur Hailey's Detective worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.5/10, Arthur Hailey's Detective may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Arthur Hailey's Detective online?
Arthur Hailey's Detective is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Arthur Hailey's Detective movie hit or flop?
Arthur Hailey's Detective is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Arthur Hailey's Detective worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.5/10, Arthur Hailey's Detective may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Arthur Hailey's Detective online?
Arthur Hailey's Detective is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
What is the story of Arthur Hailey's Detective?
Arthur Hailey's Detective is a Crime, Drama, Mystery movie that follows: Detective Sergeant Malcolm Ainslie, a Catholic priest turned distinguished investigator for the police, has agreed to hear the confession of a convicted serial killer sentenced to death in a just a ma...
Is Arthur Hailey's Detective family friendly?
Arthur Hailey's Detective falls under Crime, Drama, Mystery, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is Arthur Hailey's Detective available in?
Arthur Hailey's Detective is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Detective Sergeant Malcolm Ainslie, a Catholic priest turned distinguished investigator for the police, has agreed to hear the confession of a convicted serial killer sentenced to death in a just a matter of hours. What he promises to reveal to Ainslie is the truth behind the crimes and the reason he confessed to the one crime Ainslie doesn't even believe he committed. What unfolds between the two men is a serpentine trail into both men's pasts based on the bestseller from master storyteller Arthur Hailey.
Critic Reviews
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