Performance & Direction: Stir Review
Last updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Stir (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stir features a noteworthy lineup led by Bryan Brown . Supported by the likes of Max Phipps and Dennis Miller , 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: Stir
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, Stir is a Thriller, Action, Drama film directed by Stephen Wallace. 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 Bryan Brown.
Ending Explained: Stir
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Stephen Wallace, Stir 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 Bryan Brown, 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 Stir reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stir?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Bryan Brown or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Stir
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $420.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Stir Budget
The estimated production budget for Stir is $420.0K. 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: Stir
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Where to Watch Stir Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeStir Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about Stir age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Stir is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Stir is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stir worth watching?
Stir is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Stir parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Stir identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Stir?
The total duration of Stir is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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How Stir Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stir
Nails! Directed by Stephen Wallace and written by Bob Jewson, Stir stars Bryan Brown, Max Phipps, Dennis Miller, Gary Waddell and Phil Motherwell. Music is by Cameron Allan and cinematography by Geoff Burton. Stir is a tough Australian prison drama based on the real life prison riot that occurred at Bathurst Gaol 1974. Writer Bob Jewson was an inmate at the time and draws on his observations for the screenplay. The standard rules of prison dramas are adhered to here, sadistic guards, homosexuality (though tenderly handled and not involving rape), poor conditions etc. Where Stir lifts itself into the upper echelons of similar genre pictures is with the characterisations, they are credibly written and performed. There are a number of human interest stories running through the plot, none of which involve outsiders, which is a bonus as we all are cemented in this concrete and iron jungle. While the mounting tension is unbearable at times, headed up by the terrific Brown who is pumped with snake eyed hardness and coiled spring intensity. Criminally under seen, Stir is as tough as steel toe-capped boots and demands to be labelled as essential viewing for those interested in penal based movies. 8/10
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.
