Is Deadrise Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Deadrise is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Deadrise Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, Deadrise emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Paula, (Renee O'Connor) an inspector for the Historic Trust, wraps up a successful and important project in the upper Midwest. Unlike standard genre fare, Deadrise 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 Brauer, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Thriller elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Deadrise features a noteworthy lineup led by Renée O'Connor. Supported by the likes of Larry Joe Campbell and Grant Krause, 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 Renée O'Connor, Larry Joe Campbell, Grant Krause manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2011 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Deadrise 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 Deadrise follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 95 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, Deadrise resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Thriller 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 1.5/10 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, Deadrise is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Paula, (Renee O'Connor) an inspector for the Historic Trust, wraps up a successful and important project in the upper Midwest. On her way home to Chicago, she gets a call from her office and is asked to check out a new applicant. It's on her way anyway, and even though it's late on Friday, she takes a quick detour and heads to the site of once proud steamship along an industrial waterfront. The ships 400 foot black form looms against the sky, and collects dead fish in stagnant water near the pier. Moments after her arrival, her car is seriously disabled and her life is about to change forever. In the chaos that follows, she meets up with the self appointed caretaker, Vigs (Larry Joe Campbell) who is the odd caretaker on the ship. Making the best of a bad situation, she takes him up on his offer to spend the night in one of the cramped but historic staterooms. He invites her to dinner and bad beer...
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 Deadrise (2011) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 1.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Renée O'Connor, Larry Joe Campbell, Grant Krause or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Deadrise is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2011. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Deadrise Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1,000,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Deadrise Budget
The estimated production budget for Deadrise is $1,000,000. 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 Deadrise Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Deadrise has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Thriller), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 1.5/10, and global collection metrics, Deadrise stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deadrise movie hit or flop?
Deadrise is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 1.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Deadrise worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 1.5/10, Deadrise may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Deadrise online?
Deadrise may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Paula, (Renee O'Connor) an inspector for the Historic Trust, wraps up a successful and important project in the upper Midwest. On her way home to Chicago, she gets a call from her office and is asked to check out a new applicant. It's on her way anyway, and even though it's late on Friday, she takes a quick detour and heads to the site of once proud steamship along an industrial waterfront. The ships 400 foot black form looms against the sky, and collects dead fish in stagnant water near the pier. Moments after her arrival, her car is seriously disabled and her life is about to change forever. In the chaos that follows, she meets up with the self appointed caretaker, Vigs (Larry Joe Campbell) who is the odd caretaker on the ship. Making the best of a bad situation, she takes him up on his offer to spend the night in one of the cramped but historic staterooms. He invites her to dinner and bad beer...