Is Death of a Son Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Death of a Son is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Death of a Son Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1989, Death of a Son enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The true story of Pauline Williams, who struggled to bring the people who supplied her son with the illegal drugs that caused his death to justice. Under the direction of Ross Devenish, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Lynn Redgrave, Malcolm Storry, Jay Simpson. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Death of a Son offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Death of a Son is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 3.5/10, the reception has been negative. For fans of Drama, TV Movie, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Death of a Son
- Lynn Redgrave – Pauline Williams
- Malcolm Storry – Ray WIlliams
- Jay Simpson – John Williams
- Mark Anstee – Paul Williams
- Ross Boatman – Gary Austin
Top Highlights
Lynn RedgravePauline Williams
Malcolm StorryRay WIlliams
Jay SimpsonJohn Williams
Mark AnsteePaul Williams
Ross BoatmanGary Austin
Frederick TrevesDr Patrick Toseland
Julian CurryProf. Ray Spector
Dave HillDI Sid Roscoe
Richard HefferDS Martin McClure
Glyn PritchardRob
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.5/10, and global collection metrics, Death of a Son stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death of a Son movie hit or flop?
Death of a Son is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Death of a Son worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.5/10, Death of a Son may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is Death of a Son?
Death of a Son is a Drama, TV Movie movie that The true story of Pauline Williams, who struggled to bring the people who supplied her son with the illegal drugs that caused his death to justice....
