Marlowe
Performance & Direction: Marlowe Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Marlowe (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Marlowe features a noteworthy lineup led by Liam Neeson . Supported by the likes of Diane Kruger and Jessica Lange , 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: Marlowe
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2023, Marlowe is a Crime film directed by Neil Jordan. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Liam Neeson.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Private detective Philip Marlowe becomes embroiled in an investigation involving a wealthy Californian family after a beautiful blonde hires him to track down her former lover. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Marlowe
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Neil Jordan, Marlowe attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Liam Neeson, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Marlowe reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Marlowe Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Marlowe incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime film directed by Neil Jordan, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Liam Neeson's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Marlowe adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Marlowe?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Marlowe
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Marlowe Budget
The estimated production budget for Marlowe is $20.0M. 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: Marlowe
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Marlowe Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
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Amazon VideoMarlowe Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about Marlowe age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Marlowe is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Marlowe is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marlowe worth watching?
Marlowe is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Marlowe parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Marlowe identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Marlowe?
The total duration of Marlowe is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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Critic Reviews for Marlowe
I have watched a few movies based on Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe, and I can’t say that any of them dazzled me, even though they were usually played by actors I liked. This version struck me the same way. I really like Liam Neeson and feel that he has elevated a few B quality movies I have seen him in. But either he couldn’t or wasn’t allowed to work similar magic here. The characters don’t mumble exactly, but the overall effect to me is that they might as well have been. The dialogue isn’t exactly electric and they seem to deliver them rather matter of factly. When Marlow beats up a few guys and says, “I am getting too old for this,” it comes out sounding like the tired cliche it is rather than a heartfelt observation by a jaded private eye. So I can’t help but label this as a missed opportunity; I mean, it’s Liam Neeson for goodness sake. Write the man some better lines and action sequences.
Regardless of what a lot of people claim, this is a quite good old-fashioned murder mystery and private investigator story. It is quite well done in the style one would expect when implementing a story where the main character is the famous Philip Marlowe. This kind of story should not be filled with insane action, psychopathic outbursts or any other of the other stuff that Hollywood (as well as probably the younger audience) seems to think that every movie needs. Is it slow as many people say. Sure if you compare with John Wick it is slow. For a Philip Marlowe movie it is just right. When watching this movie I was really quite happy that this was not another movie (and character) that Hollywood felt they had to “modernize” like the remake abominations where Hercule Poirot runs on top of train cars and chases murderers waving guns. It is a good mystery story. It is a good implementation. Liam Neeson, whom I generally like as an actor, is quite a good fit for the role of Philip Marlowe. Overall I quite enjoyed this movie. The fact that the so called “critics” at Woke (Rotten) Tomatoes gave this movie 25% Rotten of course destroyed any credibility these woke hacks might have had left. If I move does not project the right agenda it is rotten by their standards, or rather lack thereof.
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.
