Repulsion
Performance & Direction: Repulsion Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Repulsion (1965) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Repulsion features a noteworthy lineup led by Catherine Deneuve . Supported by the likes of Ian Hendry and John Fraser , 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: Repulsion
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1965, Repulsion is a Drama, Thriller, Horror film directed by Roman Polanski. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Catherine Deneuve.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Beautiful young manicurist Carole suffers from androphobia (the pathological fear of interaction with men). When her sister and roommate, Helen, leaves their London flat to go on an Italian holiday with her married boyfriend, Carole withdraws into her apartment. She begins to experience frightful hallucinations, her fear gradually mutating into madness. The screenplay takes time to develop Catherine Deneuve's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Catherine Deneuve's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Repulsion
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Roman Polanski, Repulsion resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Catherine Deneuve, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Repulsion reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Repulsion?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Catherine Deneuve or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Repulsion
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $300.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Repulsion Budget
The estimated production budget for Repulsion is $300.0K. 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: Repulsion
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Repulsion Online?
Streaming HubRepulsion Parents Guide & Age Rating
1965 AdvisoryWondering about Repulsion age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Repulsion is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Repulsion is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1965 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Repulsion worth watching?
Repulsion is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Repulsion parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Repulsion identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Repulsion?
The total duration of Repulsion is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Repulsion
How Repulsion Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Repulsion
Repulsion is an alarming and compelling psychological thriller that presents an unsettling exploration of a woman's descent into madness. Polanski masterfully creates an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread. What sets this film apart is its bold decision to centre the narrative on a female protagonist who, in a rare move for the genre, is the killer rather than the victim. The film's chilling portrayal of isolation and paranoia lingers long after the credits roll, making it an unforgettable entry in psychological horror.
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.
