Performance & Direction: They Only Kill Their Masters Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is They Only Kill Their Masters (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and They Only Kill Their Masters features a noteworthy lineup led by James Garner . Supported by the likes of Katharine Ross and Hal Holbrook , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of They Only Kill Their Masters (1972) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: They Only Kill Their Masters
Quick Plot Summary: They Only Kill Their Masters is a Mystery, Romance, Thriller film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: They Only Kill Their Masters
Ending Breakdown: They Only Kill Their Masters attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of They Only Kill Their Masters reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch They Only Kill Their Masters?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: They Only Kill Their Masters
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Where to Watch They Only Kill Their Masters Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThey Only Kill Their Masters Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about They Only Kill Their Masters age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of They Only Kill Their Masters is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, They Only Kill Their Masters stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is They Only Kill Their Masters worth watching?
They Only Kill Their Masters is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find They Only Kill Their Masters parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for They Only Kill Their Masters identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of They Only Kill Their Masters?
The total duration of They Only Kill Their Masters is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m 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.
