Behind the Candelabra
Behind the Candelabra Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Behind the Candelabra
| Movie | Behind the Candelabra |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Director | Steven Soderbergh |
| Genre | Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 118 minutes (1h 58m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Behind the Candelabra (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. 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 Behind the Candelabra are led by Michael Douglas . The supporting cast, including Matt Damon and Dan Aykroyd , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Behind the Candelabra stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Behind the Candelabra 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: Behind the Candelabra
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Behind the Candelabra is a Drama, Romance film directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Richard LaGravenese. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Douglas as Liberace.
What Is the Story of Behind the Candelabra?
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Based on the autobiographical novel, the tempestuous 6-year relationship between Liberace and his (much younger) lover, Scott Thorson, is recounted. The screenplay takes time to develop Michael Douglas's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
How Is Behind the Candelabra Structured?
- Opening Hook: We meet Michael Douglas as Liberace in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Steven Soderbergh builds this foundation carefully, and over its 118-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Michael Douglas's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings Michael Douglas's arc to its natural conclusion. Steven Soderbergh's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Behind the Candelabra
Behind the Candelabra Ending Explained: Based on the autobiographical novel, the tempestuous 6-year relationship between Liberace and his (much younger) lover, Scott Thorson, is recounted. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this 2013 drama film stars Michael Douglas (Liberace), alongside Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, Dan Aykroyd as Seymour Heller, Scott Bakula as Bob Black. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Behind the Candelabra?
Based on the autobiographical novel, the tempestuous 6-year relationship between Liberace and his (much younger) lover, Scott Thorson, is recounted.
How Does Michael Douglas (Liberace)'s Story End?
- Michael Douglas: Michael Douglas's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Matt Damon (Scott Thorson): Matt Damon's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Dan Aykroyd (Seymour Heller): Dan Aykroyd's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Behind the Candelabra Based on a True Story?
Yes — Behind the Candelabra draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Steven Soderbergh has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Behind the Candelabra Mean?
Behind the Candelabra's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Michael Douglas may feel rushed. Steven Soderbergh's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution. Based on 826 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.
Behind the Candelabra Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Behind the Candelabra Based on a True Story?
Yes, Behind the Candelabra uses real-world events as inspiration. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas, this drama, romance film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Behind the Candelabra
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Behind the Candelabra uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Behind the Candelabra?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Michael Douglas or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Behind the Candelabra
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $23.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Behind the Candelabra Budget
The estimated production budget for Behind the Candelabra is $23.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Behind the Candelabra Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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VI movies and tvBehind the Candelabra Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about Behind the Candelabra age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Behind the Candelabra (2013) is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film runs for 118 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Behind the Candelabra is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Behind the Candelabra worth watching?
Behind the Candelabra is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Behind the Candelabra parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Behind the Candelabra identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Behind the Candelabra (2013)?
The runtime of Behind the Candelabra (2013) is 118 minutes (approximately 1h 58m).
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.
