Child's Cry Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Child's Cry
| Movie | Child's Cry |
| Release Year | 1986 |
| Director | Gilbert Cates |
| Genre | Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Child's Cry (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. 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 Child's Cry are led by Lindsay Wagner . The supporting cast, including Peter Coyote and Taliesin Jaffe , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Child's Cry 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, Child's Cry 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: Child's Cry
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, Child's Cry is a Drama, TV Movie film directed by Gilbert Cates. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lindsay Wagner as Joanne Van Buren.
Ending Explained: Child's Cry
Child's Cry Ending Explained: A social worker starts working with a shy, withdrawn 6 year old whom she believes is the victim of sexual abuse. Directed by Gilbert Cates, this 1986 drama film stars Lindsay Wagner (Joanne Van Buren), alongside Peter Coyote as Matt Townsend, Taliesin Jaffe as Eric Townsend, Herta Ware as Mrs. Hartounian. Rated 7.5/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Child's Cry?
A social worker starts working with a shy, withdrawn 6 year old whom she believes is the victim of sexual abuse.
How Does Lindsay Wagner (Joanne Van Buren)'s Story End?
- Lindsay Wagner: Lindsay Wagner's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Gilbert Cates delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 40m runtime.
- Peter Coyote (Matt Townsend): Peter Coyote's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Taliesin Jaffe (Eric Townsend): Taliesin Jaffe's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Child's Cry Mean?
The ending of Child's Cry ties together the narrative threads involving Lindsay Wagner. Gilbert Cates chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Child's Cry Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Child's Cry Based on a True Story?
No, Child's Cry is a work of fiction. While the drama, tv movie film directed by Gilbert Cates and starring Lindsay Wagner may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Child's Cry?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Child's Cry Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about Child's Cry age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Child's Cry (1986) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Gilbert Cates, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Child's Cry is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Child's Cry worth watching?
Child's Cry is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Child's Cry parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Child's Cry identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Child's Cry (1986)?
The runtime of Child's Cry (1986) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
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.
