The Perfectionist Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Perfectionist
| Movie | The Perfectionist |
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Director | Chris Thomson |
| Genre | Comedy / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Perfectionist (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Perfectionist are led by Jacki Weaver . The supporting cast, including John Waters and Steven Vidler , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Perfectionist stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Perfectionist 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Perfectionist
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, The Perfectionist is a Comedy, TV Movie film directed by Chris Thomson, written by David Williamson. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jacki Weaver as Barbara Gunn.
Ending Explained: The Perfectionist
The Perfectionist Ending Explained: Barbara and Steward are happily married and have three kids. Directed by Chris Thomson, this 1985 comedy film stars Jacki Weaver (Barbara Gunn), alongside John Waters as Stuart Gunn, Steven Vidler as Erik, Kate Fitzpatrick as Su. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Perfectionist?
Barbara and Steward are happily married and have three kids. But one day Barbara decides that her children are old enough now and she can quit as housewife and start to study. Against the will of her husband she employs babysitter Eric while she attends university. Steward reacts increasingly nervous about the presence of another man in his family and brings their marriage into a crisis.
Chris Thomson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jacki Weaver (Barbara Gunn)'s journey. But one day Barbara decides that her children are old enough now and she can quit as housewife and start to study.
How Does Jacki Weaver (Barbara Gunn)'s Story End?
- Jacki Weaver: Jacki Weaver's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Chris Thomson delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 30m runtime.
- John Waters (Stuart Gunn): John Waters's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Steven Vidler (Erik): Steven Vidler's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Perfectionist Mean?
The Perfectionist concludes with Chris Thomson reinforcing the comedy themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Jacki Weaver leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Perfectionist Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Perfectionist Based on a True Story?
No, The Perfectionist is a work of fiction. While the comedy, tv movie film directed by Chris Thomson and starring Jacki Weaver may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Perfectionist?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
The Perfectionist Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about The Perfectionist age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Perfectionist (1985) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by Chris Thomson, the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Perfectionist is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Perfectionist worth watching?
The Perfectionist is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Perfectionist parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Perfectionist identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Perfectionist (1985)?
The runtime of The Perfectionist (1985) is 90 minutes (approximately 1h 30m).
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.
