Lava (1989) movie backdrop
Lava (1989) movie poster
1989129 minDrama, History
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

Lava

Lava Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Lava is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.3/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, History genre.

Is Lava Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Lava is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 129 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.313 votes
129Minutes
1989Release Year
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Lava Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1989, Lava enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on On the eve of the Day of the Dead, among mysterious old rituals of the Vilnius region, ghosts of the past and present start to appear. Under the direction of Tadeusz Konwicki, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Gustaw Holoubek. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Lava offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 129-minute runtime can feel deliberate.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Lava resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, Lava is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Lava centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. On the eve of the Day of the Dead, among mysterious old rituals of the Vilnius region, ghosts of the past and present start to appear. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Lava has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Lava sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Lava (1989): with an audience rating of 5.3/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, History cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Lava has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Lava stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lava movie hit or flop?

Lava has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Lava worth watching?

Lava is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Lava online?

Lava may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.3
Lava
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/lava-377689" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Lava</div></div></a>

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More with Gustaw Holoubek

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Lava movie hit or flop?

Lava has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Lava worth watching?

Lava is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Lava online?

Lava may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of Lava?

Lava is a Drama, History movie that follows: On the eve of the Day of the Dead, among mysterious old rituals of the Vilnius region, ghosts of the past and present start to appear....

Is Lava family friendly?

Lava is classified as Drama, History. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is Lava available in?

Lava is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

On the eve of the Day of the Dead, among mysterious old rituals of the Vilnius region, ghosts of the past and present start to appear.

Critic Reviews

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