Dance with a Stranger

  • 1985
  • R
  • 102m
movieMx RATING
6.1/1053
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Dance with a Stranger Review

Last updated: February 20, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 20, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Dance with a Stranger (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dance with a Stranger features a noteworthy lineup led by Miranda Richardson . Supported by the likes of Rupert Everett and Ian Holm , 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.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Dance with a Stranger (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Dance with a Stranger stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Dance with a Stranger

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, Dance with a Stranger is a Crime, Drama film directed by Mike Newell. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Miranda Richardson.

Ending Explained: Dance with a Stranger

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Mike Newell, Dance with a Stranger concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Miranda Richardson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Dance with a Stranger reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Dance with a Stranger Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Dance with a Stranger incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by Mike Newell, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Miranda Richardson's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Dance with a Stranger adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Dance with a Stranger?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Miranda Richardson or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Top Cast: Dance with a Stranger

All Cast & Crew →
Rupert Everett
Rupert EverettDavid Blakeley
Ian Holm
Ian HolmDesmond Cussen
Tom Chadbon
Tom ChadbonAnthony Findlater
Jane Bertish
Jane BertishCarole Findlater
David Troughton
David TroughtonCliff Davis
Paul Mooney
Paul MooneyClive Gunnell
Stratford Johns
Stratford JohnsMorrie Conley
Susan Kyd
Susan KydBarbara
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Where to Watch Dance with a Stranger Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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Dance with a Stranger Parents Guide & Age Rating

1985 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Dance with a Stranger age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Dance with a Stranger is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Dance with a Stranger is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Dance with a Stranger is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Dance with a Stranger. Rating: 6.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dance with a Stranger worth watching?

Dance with a Stranger is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Dance with a Stranger parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Dance with a Stranger identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Dance with a Stranger?

The total duration of Dance with a Stranger is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.

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Critic Reviews for Dance with a Stranger

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
Dance with a Stranger
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