Is The Draughtsman's Contract Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Draughtsman's Contract is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Draughtsman's Contract Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1982, The Draughtsman's Contract enters the History genre with a narrative focused on A young artist is commissioned by the wife of a wealthy landowner to make a series of drawings of the estate while her husband is away. Under the direction of Peter Greenaway, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Anthony Higgins. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Draughtsman's Contract offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Draughtsman's Contract resonates with current cultural themes in the History space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Draughtsman's Contract is available for streaming on Kino Film Collection. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Draughtsman's Contract centers on a unique premise within the History landscape. A young artist is commissioned by the wife of a wealthy landowner to make a series of drawings of the estate while her husband is away. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1982 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Draughtsman's Contract has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Draughtsman's Contract sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Draughtsman's Contract (1982): with an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of History, Mystery, Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
The Draughtsman's Contract Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $370,800 |
| Worldwide Gross | $2,256,246 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Draughtsman's Contract Budget
The estimated production budget for The Draughtsman's Contract is $370,800. 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.
Where to Watch The Draughtsman's Contract Online?
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The Draughtsman's Contract is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Draughtsman's Contract stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Draughtsman's Contract movie hit or flop?
The Draughtsman's Contract is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of History, Mystery, Comedy movies.
Is The Draughtsman's Contract worth watching?
Yes, The Draughtsman's Contract is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of History, Mystery, Comedy cinema.
Where can I watch The Draughtsman's Contract online?
The Draughtsman's Contract is currently available for streaming on Kino Film Collection. You can also check for it on platforms like Kino Film Collection depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Draughtsman's Contract movie hit or flop?
The Draughtsman's Contract is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of History, Mystery, Comedy movies.
Is The Draughtsman's Contract worth watching?
Yes, The Draughtsman's Contract is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of History, Mystery, Comedy cinema.
Where can I watch The Draughtsman's Contract online?
The Draughtsman's Contract is currently available for streaming on Kino Film Collection. You can also check for it on platforms like Kino Film Collection depending on your region.
What is the story of The Draughtsman's Contract?
The Draughtsman's Contract is a History, Mystery, Comedy movie that follows: A young artist is commissioned by the wife of a wealthy landowner to make a series of drawings of the estate while her husband is away....
Is The Draughtsman's Contract family friendly?
Yes, The Draughtsman's Contract is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a History, Mystery, Comedy movie.
What language is The Draughtsman's Contract available in?
The Draughtsman's Contract is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A young artist is commissioned by the wife of a wealthy landowner to make a series of drawings of the estate while her husband is away.
Critic Reviews
Anthony Higgins is artist "Neville" who attracts the eye of the unhappily married aristocrat "Mrs. Herbert" (Janet Suzman). She concocts a plan to have her wicked way with him by commissioning him to sketch twelve aspects of their modest stately home in return for £8 per drawing and unlimited "access" to her person. When "Mr. Herbert" has to go away, that proves convenient for all and their contract is agreed and applied. Midway through his task, her daughter "Mrs. Talmann" (Anne-Louise Lambert) approaches our virile artist with another proposal. She is saddled with the foppish "Talmann" (Hugh Fraser) who would appear to be no use whatsoever in begetting an heir. Her deal with "Neville" however is more on her terms - and he thinks he is in clover. Is he though, or is he being played buy one or both of these women - and where has "Mr. Herbert" got to through all these shenanigans? Peter Greenaway gives this a sort of Regency look to it, the costumes - especially the wigs - are exaggerated to fully illustrate the vacuousness of their petty but privileged existence and there is some humour that just about stays on the satirical side of bawdy! Suzman is great, as is Lambert and though I found Higgins just a bit weak to sustain the title role, this is still a great and entertaining ensemble effort well complimented by Michael Nyman's lively and Handel-esque score. Forty years on, it has lost little of it's power to ridicule and shame, is pithily written and is well worth a watch.