The Traitor
Performance & Direction: The Traitor Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Traitor (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.6/10. 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 Traitor features a noteworthy lineup led by Pierfrancesco Favino . Supported by the likes of Maria Fernanda Cândido and Fabrizio Ferracane , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Traitor
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2019, The Traitor is a Drama, Crime, Thriller film directed by Marco Bellocchio. 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 Pierfrancesco Favino.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Palermo, Sicily, 1980. Mafia member Tommaso Buscetta decides to move to Brazil with his family fleeing the constant war between the different clans of the criminal organization. But when, after living several misfortunes, he is forced to return to Italy, he makes a bold decision that will change his life and the destiny of Cosa Nostra forever. The screenplay takes time to develop Pierfrancesco Favino'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 protagonist, portrayed by Pierfrancesco Favino, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- 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 Traitor
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Marco Bellocchio, The Traitor resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Pierfrancesco Favino, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Traitor demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Traitor Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Traitor incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime, thriller film directed by Marco Bellocchio, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Pierfrancesco Favino's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Traitor successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Traitor?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: The Traitor
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Where to Watch The Traitor Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Traitor Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about The Traitor age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Traitor is 151 minutes (2h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Traitor is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Traitor worth watching?
The Traitor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.6/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Traitor parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Traitor identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Traitor?
The total duration of The Traitor is 151 minutes, which is approximately 2h 31m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Traitor
Despite the intimidating sprawl of its narrative, 'The Traitor' presents an interesting knot of a character for the audience to unravel as they watch the confessions of a traitor revealing the mafia's darkest secrets. - Jake Watt Read Jake's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-traitor-crime-and-punishment-in-sicily
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.
