Q
Performance & Direction: Q Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Q (1982) 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 Q features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Moriarty . Supported by the likes of Candy Clark and David Carradine , 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: Q
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Q is a Crime, Horror, Mystery film directed by Larry Cohen. 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 Michael Moriarty.
Ending Explained: Q
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Larry Cohen, Q attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Michael Moriarty, 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 Q reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Q Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Q incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, horror, mystery film directed by Larry Cohen, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Michael Moriarty'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: Q adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Q?
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: Q
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Q Budget
The estimated production budget for Q is $1.2M. 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: Q
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Q Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Philo
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreYouTubeFandango At HomeQ Parents Guide & Age Rating
1982 AdvisoryWondering about Q age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Q is 92 minutes (1h 32m). 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, Q is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Q worth watching?
Q 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 Q parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Q identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Q?
The total duration of Q is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Q
How Q Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Q
***Amusing Big City monster flick featuring Quetzalcoatl*** As two Manhattan detectives (David Carradine and Richard Roundtree) investigate deaths linked to Aztecan ritual a huge winged serpent begins preying on citizens. A piano-playing street thug (Michael Moriarty) claims to know where its nest is located and makes a deal with the authorities. Could the beast be Quetzalcoatl? Larry Cohen’s "Q" (1982), aka “Q: The Winged Serpent,” is a Grade B creature feature with a wink of humor. Imagine “Wolfen” (1981) if it wasn’t so artsy and didn’t take itself so seriously, albeit with a different monster, and you’d have a good picture of “Q.” Moriarty cops a serious Bill Burr vibe as the two-bit hood while Carradine & Roundtree seem to be enjoying themselves as tough Big City investigators. Speaking of the city, this is a great way to view New York City in the early 80s. Unfortunately, Cohen drops the ball in the female department as he doesn’t know how to take advantage of the feminine resources and opportunities (and I’m not tawkin’ bout nudity or sleaze, just effective photography of women). Nevertheless, the flick’s entertaining and shouldn’t be as obscure as it is. It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Manhattan with focus on the Chrysler Building. GRADE: B/B-
This could have been so much better if the casting were not so dreadful. As it is, it's only a passable adventure that sees two cops - David Carradine and Richard Rowntree on the case of a murderer who ruthlessly decapitates his victims - usually whilst they are seemingly impregnable on a rooftop, or somewhere equally lofty. Meantime, "Quinn" (Michael Moriarty) is trying to stay one step ahead of some folks he owes money too, and whilst hiding atop the Empire State Building, happens upon something startling! As the killings intensify, and sightings of a strange creature are reported to the police, he does a deal with them to reveal what might just be it's nest. The story is fine - but there are just way few appearances from our mysterious beastie, and the plot is also cluttered up with some Inca ritualim too. When we do see "Q" - well Ray Harryhausen it isn't. It has a cheap version of the "Hammer" look to it, and the acting and dialogue are no better. It's rated 'X', but I suspect that is because there is some nudity, there is nothing at all remotely scary to see here.
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.
