Faithful
Faithful Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Faithful
| Movie | Faithful |
| Release Year | 1996 |
| Director | Paul Mazursky |
| Genre | Comedy / Crime / Drama |
| Runtime | 91 minutes (1h 31m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Faithful (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Faithful are led by Cher . The supporting cast, including Chazz Palminteri and Ryan O'Neal , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Faithful does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Faithful 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Faithful
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, Faithful is a Comedy, Crime, Drama film directed by Paul Mazursky, written by Chazz Palminteri. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Cher as Margaret.
Ending Explained: Faithful
Faithful Ending Explained: A depressed housewife whose husband is having an affair contemplates suicide, but changes her mind when she faces death by a killer hired to do her in. Directed by Paul Mazursky, this 1996 comedy film stars Cher (Margaret), alongside Chazz Palminteri as Tony, Ryan O'Neal as Jack Connor, Paul Mazursky as Dr. Susskind. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Faithful?
A depressed housewife whose husband is having an affair contemplates suicide, but changes her mind when she faces death by a killer hired to do her in.
How Does Cher (Margaret)'s Story End?
- Cher: Cher's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Chazz Palminteri (Tony): Chazz Palminteri's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ryan O'Neal (Jack Connor): Ryan O'Neal's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Faithful Mean?
The ending of Faithful brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Cher's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Faithful Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Faithful Based on a True Story?
Yes, Faithful draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Paul Mazursky and starring Cher, this comedy, crime, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Faithful
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Faithful uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Faithful?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Faithful
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $13.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Faithful Budget
The estimated production budget for Faithful is $13.0M. 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 Faithful Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoFaithful Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about Faithful age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Faithful (1996) is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Directed by Paul Mazursky, the film runs for 91 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, Faithful is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Faithful worth watching?
Faithful is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Faithful parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Faithful identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Faithful (1996)?
The runtime of Faithful (1996) is 91 minutes (approximately 1h 31m).
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.
