Desperate Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Desperate
| Movie | Desperate |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Peter Markle |
| Genre | Thriller / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 70 minutes (1h 10m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Desperate (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 9.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Desperate are led by John Savage . The supporting cast, including Meg Foster and Chris Burke , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Desperate stands out as a strong entry in the Thriller 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 Thriller narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Desperate 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 Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Desperate
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Desperate is a Thriller, TV Movie film directed by Peter Markle, written by Michael Braverman. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Savage as Noah.
Ending Explained: Desperate
Desperate Ending Explained: Directed by Peter Markle, Desperate delivers a satisfying and emotionally impactful resolution. The ending highlights the core thriller themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving John Savage. Many viewers have praised the way the narrative builds toward its final moments.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the thriller themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Desperate leave a lasting impression and strengthen the overall impact of the story.
Who Should Watch Desperate?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Thriller cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate gripping suspense and clever plot twists
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
At just 70 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Desperate Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Desperate age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Desperate (1987) is 70 minutes (1h 10m). Directed by Peter Markle, the film runs for 70 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 9.0/10, and global performance metrics, Desperate is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperate worth watching?
Desperate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Desperate parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Desperate identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Desperate (1987)?
The runtime of Desperate (1987) is 70 minutes (approximately 1h 10m).
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.
