Is Murder: By Reason of Insanity Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1985)

📖 The Core Premise

Murder: By Reason of Insanity returns to the screen in 1985, bringing a fresh narrative to the Crime, Drama, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A married couple from Poland emigrates to the U.S.,. but things don't turn out as well as they had imaged. The husband's business fails, while his wife's career really takes off. The husband, unable to cope with the pressures of his failed business, his failing marriage and the adjustments necessary to live in a completely different society, begins to take out his frustrations on his wife."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Candice Bergen attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Murder: By Reason of Insanity worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Murder: By Reason of Insanity misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.