Red Joan
Performance & Direction: Red Joan Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Red Joan (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. 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 Red Joan features a noteworthy lineup led by Judi Dench . Supported by the likes of Sophie Cookson and Tom Hughes , 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: Red Joan
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Red Joan is a Thriller, History film directed by Trevor Nunn. 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 Judi Dench.
Ending Explained: Red Joan
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Trevor Nunn, Red Joan 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 Judi Dench, 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 Red Joan reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Red Joan Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Red Joan draws heavily from documented historical records. As a thriller, history film directed by Trevor Nunn, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Judi Dench'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, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Red Joan adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Red Joan?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Judi Dench or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Top Cast: Red Joan
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Where to Watch Red Joan Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeRed Joan Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Red Joan age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Red Joan is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Red Joan is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Joan worth watching?
Red Joan is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Red Joan parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Red Joan identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Red Joan?
The total duration of Red Joan is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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Critic Reviews for Red Joan
It may well be inspired by real events but that doesn't stop it flowing like glue most of the time. Dame Judi Dench leads a workmanlike cast with Sophie Cookson playing her younger self; Tom Hughes and Stephen Campbell Moore in the story of a suburban housewife with a treacherous secret past. Sir Trevor Nunn doesn't manage to inject any sort of pace into this and as such it just ends up being another star vehicle for the star who features sparingly. Watchable, if only because it does give you some indications as to how people who felt they were doing the "right thing" in the sixties were easy pickings for the KGB recruiters; but otherwise this film is a little empty.
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.
