The Pugilist Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Pugilist
| Movie | The Pugilist |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Glen Kirby |
| Genre | Drama / Crime |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Pugilist (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. 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 Pugilist are led by Matthew Jure . The supporting cast, including Ian Beattie and Thomas Beatty , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Pugilist stands out as a strong entry in the Drama 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 Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Pugilist 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 Pugilist
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The Pugilist is a Drama, Crime film directed by Glen Kirby, written by Glen Kirby. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Matthew Jure as William McCrae.
Ending Explained: The Pugilist
The Pugilist Ending Explained: After his eldest son is murdered in a gangland hit, an absentee father desperately tries to protect what’s left of the shattered family he abandoned. Directed by Glen Kirby, this 2017 drama film stars Matthew Jure (William McCrae), alongside Ian Beattie as Desmond Shaw, Thomas Beatty as Robert McCrae, Grace Calder as Jessica. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Pugilist?
After his eldest son is murdered in a gangland hit, an absentee father desperately tries to protect what’s left of the shattered family he abandoned.
How Does Matthew Jure (William McCrae)'s Story End?
- Matthew Jure: Matthew Jure's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ian Beattie (Desmond Shaw): Ian Beattie's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Thomas Beatty (Robert McCrae): Thomas Beatty's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Pugilist Mean?
The Pugilist's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Matthew Jure may feel rushed. Glen Kirby's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Pugilist Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Pugilist Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Pugilist draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Glen Kirby and starring Matthew Jure, this drama, crime film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Pugilist
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The Pugilist uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Pugilist?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Matthew Jure or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Pugilist Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Pugilist Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about The Pugilist age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Pugilist (2017) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by Glen Kirby, the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Pugilist is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Pugilist worth watching?
The Pugilist is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Pugilist parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Pugilist identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Pugilist (2017)?
The runtime of The Pugilist (2017) 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.
