The Quiet Earth
Performance & Direction: The Quiet Earth Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Quiet Earth (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Quiet Earth features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruno Lawrence . Supported by the likes of Alison Routledge and Anzac Wallace , 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: The Quiet Earth
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, The Quiet Earth is a Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by Geoff Murphy. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bruno Lawrence.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. After a top-secret experiment misfires, a scientist may be the only man left alive in the world. The screenplay takes time to develop Bruno Lawrence's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Bruno Lawrence's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: The Quiet Earth
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Geoff Murphy, The Quiet Earth concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Bruno Lawrence, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Quiet Earth reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Quiet Earth?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Bruno Lawrence or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Quiet Earth
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Quiet Earth Budget
The estimated production budget for The Quiet Earth is $1.0M. 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: The Quiet Earth
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Where to Watch The Quiet Earth Online?
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Fandango At HomeThe Quiet Earth Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about The Quiet Earth age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Quiet Earth is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Quiet Earth is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Quiet Earth worth watching?
The Quiet Earth is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Quiet Earth parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Quiet Earth identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Quiet Earth?
The total duration of The Quiet Earth is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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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.










