Is Persecution Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Persecution is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Persecution Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1974, Persecution emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A cat lover (Lana Turner) kills her husband, blackmails her lover (Trevor Howard) and torments her son (Ralph Bates). Unlike standard genre fare, Persecution attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Don Chaffey, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Horror elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Persecution features a noteworthy lineup led by Lana Turner. Supported by the likes of Trevor Howard and Ralph Bates, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Lana Turner, Trevor Howard, Ralph Bates manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1974 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Horror, Drama, Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Persecution is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Persecution follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 95 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Persecution resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Horror landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 2.8/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Persecution is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. A cat lover (Lana Turner) kills her husband, blackmails her lover (Trevor Howard) and torments her son (Ralph Bates).
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Persecution (1974) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 2.8/10 and strong performance metrics in the Horror, Drama, Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Lana Turner, Trevor Howard, Ralph Bates or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Persecution is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1974. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Persecution Online?
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Amazon VideoFandango At HomeFlixFlingParents Guide & Age Rating
Persecution has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Horror, Drama, Thriller), viewers should expect frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2.8/10, and global collection metrics, Persecution stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1974 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Persecution movie hit or flop?
Persecution is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Persecution worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2.8/10, Persecution may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Persecution online?
Persecution is currently available for streaming on FlixFling. You can also check for it on platforms like FlixFling depending on your region.
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Synopsis
A cat lover (Lana Turner) kills her husband, blackmails her lover (Trevor Howard) and torments her son (Ralph Bates).