Is Desperate Lives Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Desperate Lives is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Desperate Lives Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1982, Desperate Lives enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A brother and sister get caught up in the drug scene in their local high school, with tragic results. Under the direction of Robert Michael Lewis, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Diana Scarwid, Doug McKeon, Helen Hunt. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Desperate Lives 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, Desperate Lives 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 6/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, TV Movie, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Desperate Lives
- Diana Scarwid – Eileen Phillips
- Doug McKeon – Scott Cameron
- Helen Hunt – Sandy Cameron
- William Windom – Dr. Jarvis
- Art Hindle – Stan
Top Highlights
Diana ScarwidEileen Phillips
Doug McKeonScott Cameron
Helen HuntSandy Cameron
William WindomDr. Jarvis
Art HindleStan
Tom AtkinsJohn Cameron
Norman AldenCoach
Tricia CastSusan Garber
Sam BottomsKen Baynes
Diane LaddCarol Cameron
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Desperate Lives stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperate Lives movie hit or flop?
Desperate Lives has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Desperate Lives worth watching?
Desperate Lives is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Desperate Lives?
Desperate Lives is a Drama, TV Movie movie that A brother and sister get caught up in the drug scene in their local high school, with tragic results....
