Jagged Edge
Performance & Direction: Jagged Edge Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Jagged Edge (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Jagged Edge features a noteworthy lineup led by Glenn Close . Supported by the likes of Jeff Bridges and Peter Coyote , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Jagged Edge
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, Jagged Edge is a Thriller film directed by Richard Marquand. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Glenn Close.
Ending Explained: Jagged Edge
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Marquand, Jagged Edge concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Glenn Close, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Jagged Edge reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Jagged Edge?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Glenn Close or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Jagged Edge
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $40.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Jagged Edge Budget
The estimated production budget for Jagged Edge is $15.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Jagged Edge
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Where to Watch Jagged Edge Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoJagged Edge Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about Jagged Edge age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Jagged Edge is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Jagged Edge is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jagged Edge worth watching?
Jagged Edge is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Jagged Edge parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Jagged Edge identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Jagged Edge?
The total duration of Jagged Edge is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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Critic Reviews for Jagged Edge
Sharp film, serrated ending. Teddy Barnes is a conflicted lawyer, still reeling from the dubious methods of a colleague, she takes on the defence of Jack Forrester, who is accused of murdering his wife with a jagged edged knife. Gradually falling for Jack's seductive powers, Teddy falls in love with the man she now has to defend, her problems it seems, are about to become far far worse. Jagged Edge, directed by Richard Marquand, starring Glenn Close (Teddy), Jeff Bridges (Jack), Robert Loggia (Sam Ransom) and Peter Coyote (Thomas Krasny), is bringing nothing new to the table of a much replicated genre. It does however boast brilliant acting, a tremendous screenplay (Joe Eszterhas) and a production value that demands it be viewed with less than cynical eyes. That it is written by Eszterhas is obvious when looking at the structure of the picture, death, sex, troubled romance, greed and that old devil called obsession (Basic Instinct anyone?), yet aided by a competent director and an exemplary cast, Jagged Edge shines brighter than most other films of its ilk. It looks a little frayed (not jagged) around the edges now, but that is purely because of the advent of time and the ream of thrillers using this format that have followed this piece. If one (such as I) can transport oneself back to the 80s and view Jagged Edge on its original terms, then its easy to recognise just what a well put together picture it is. Close and Bridges are superb, whilst Robert Loggia steals the picture from under their noses, his interplay with Close is a particular highlight. In spite of some less than great twists and unsubtle scapegoat placings, Jagged Edge succeeds because you are there at the finale, and because its held you in its grip all along, you (hopefully) have invested yourself with these characters, you simply just have to know, for better or worse! The ending was cause for much discussion back in the day, and viewing it now it still feels like a moment of cheek mixed in with some form of clarity, but rest assured it works well, as does, funnily enough, the whole film. No world beater here, but highly accomplished and worth the time of any thriller obsessed movie fan. 7/10
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.
