Withnail & I
Withnail & I Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Withnail & I
| Movie | Withnail & I |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Bruce Robinson |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama |
| Runtime | 108 minutes (1h 48m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Withnail & I (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. 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 Withnail & I are led by Richard E. Grant . The supporting cast, including Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Withnail & I stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy 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 Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Withnail & I 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: Withnail & I
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Withnail & I is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Bruce Robinson, written by Bruce Robinson. 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 Richard E. Grant as Withnail.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Two out-of-work actors -- the anxious, luckless Marwood and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail -- spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday "by mistake" at the country house of Withnail's flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty, they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Withnail & I's opening establishes the comedic tone through Richard E. Grant as Withnail's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Bruce Robinson layers throughout.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Richard E. Grant's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Richard E. Grant's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.
Ending Explained: Withnail & I
Withnail & I Ending Explained: Directed by Bruce Robinson, Withnail & I resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Richard E. Grant. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Withnail & I reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Withnail & I?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Richard E. Grant or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Withnail & I
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where to Watch Withnail & I Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreFandango At HomeWithnail & I Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Withnail & I age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Withnail & I (1987) is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Directed by Bruce Robinson, the film runs for 108 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Withnail & I is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Withnail & I worth watching?
Withnail & I is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Withnail & I parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Withnail & I identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Withnail & I (1987)?
The runtime of Withnail & I (1987) is 108 minutes (approximately 1h 48m).
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.
