The Cormorant Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Cormorant
| Movie | The Cormorant |
| Release Year | 1993 |
| Director | Peter Markham |
| Genre | Drama / Horror / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 88 minutes (1h 28m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Cormorant (1993) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The Cormorant are led by Ralph Fiennes . The supporting cast, including Helen Schlesinger and Thomas Williams , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Cormorant does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Cormorant has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Cormorant
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1993, The Cormorant is a Drama, Horror, TV Movie film directed by Peter Markham, written by Peter Ransley. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ralph Fiennes as John Talbot.
Ending Explained: The Cormorant
The Cormorant Ending Explained: For a young couple, the small cottage tucked away in a quiet village in the mountains of north Wales, a legacy from a distant, estranged uncle, is a dream come true. Directed by Peter Markham, this 1993 drama film stars Ralph Fiennes (John Talbot), alongside Helen Schlesinger as Jill, Thomas Williams as Tom, Buddug Morgan as Jenny. Rated 4.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Cormorant?
For a young couple, the small cottage tucked away in a quiet village in the mountains of north Wales, a legacy from a distant, estranged uncle, is a dream come true. The one condition of the inheritance is that they keep the uncle's beloved pet cormorant. They soon discover, however, that the cormorant is no mere bird, but a foul and malignant creature that may exact a greater price than they are willing to pay. Filmed as part of the BBC series, "Screen Two".
Peter Markham's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ralph Fiennes (John Talbot)'s journey. The one condition of the inheritance is that they keep the uncle's beloved pet cormorant.
How Does Ralph Fiennes (John Talbot)'s Story End?
- Ralph Fiennes: Ralph Fiennes's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Helen Schlesinger (Jill): Helen Schlesinger's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Thomas Williams (Tom): Thomas Williams's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Cormorant Mean?
The ending of The Cormorant brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Ralph Fiennes's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Cormorant Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Cormorant Based on a True Story?
No, The Cormorant is a work of fiction. While the drama, horror, tv movie film directed by Peter Markham and starring Ralph Fiennes may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Cormorant?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 88 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Cormorant Parents Guide & Age Rating
1993 AdvisoryWondering about The Cormorant age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Cormorant (1993) is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Directed by Peter Markham, the film runs for 88 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Cormorant is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1993 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cormorant worth watching?
The Cormorant is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Cormorant parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Cormorant identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Cormorant (1993)?
The runtime of The Cormorant (1993) is 88 minutes (approximately 1h 28m).
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.
