Those Dear Departed Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Those Dear Departed
| Movie | Those Dear Departed |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Ted Robinson |
| Genre | Comedy / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 88 minutes (1h 28m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Those Dear Departed (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. 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 Those Dear Departed are led by Garry McDonald . The supporting cast, including Pamela Stephenson and Su Cruickshank , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Those Dear Departed does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Those Dear Departed 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: Those Dear Departed
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Those Dear Departed is a Comedy, Fantasy film directed by Ted Robinson, written by Steve J. Spears. 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 Garry McDonald as Max Falcon.
Ending Explained: Those Dear Departed
Those Dear Departed Ending Explained: A disturbed woman murders her husband, and others, so that she can be haunted by their "wronged" spirits. Directed by Ted Robinson, this 1987 comedy film stars Garry McDonald (Max Falcon), alongside Pamela Stephenson as Marilyn Falcon, Su Cruickshank as Norda, Marian Dworakowski as Richard. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Those Dear Departed?
A disturbed woman murders her husband, and others, so that she can be haunted by their "wronged" spirits.
How Does Garry McDonald (Max Falcon)'s Story End?
- Garry McDonald: Garry McDonald's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Pamela Stephenson (Marilyn Falcon): Pamela Stephenson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Su Cruickshank (Norda): Su Cruickshank's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Those Dear Departed Mean?
Those Dear Departed's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Garry McDonald may feel rushed. Ted Robinson's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Those Dear Departed Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Those Dear Departed Based on a True Story?
No, Those Dear Departed is a work of fiction. While the comedy, fantasy film directed by Ted Robinson and starring Garry McDonald may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Those Dear Departed?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Garry McDonald or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 88 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Those Dear Departed Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Those Dear Departed age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Those Dear Departed (1987) is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Directed by Ted Robinson, the film runs for 88 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Those Dear Departed is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Those Dear Departed worth watching?
Those Dear Departed is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Those Dear Departed parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Those Dear Departed identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Those Dear Departed (1987)?
The runtime of Those Dear Departed (1987) is 88 minutes (approximately 1h 28m).
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.
