Profit & Loss Analysis
★ WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified
Is Promises in the Dark Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1979)
A young doctor, Alexandra Kendall, seeking change while recovering from a recent heartbreak, moves from Chicago, Illinois to Hartford, Connecticut. She joins the West Hartford medi...
✨ The Quick Verdict
ONE-TIME WATCH
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Promises in the Dark offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1979 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
✓ Fans of Drama films
✓ casual viewers seeking light entertainment
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
Promises in the Dark returns to the screen in 1979, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama 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 young doctor, Alexandra Kendall, seeking change while recovering from a recent heartbreak, moves from Chicago, Illinois to Hartford, Connecticut. She joins the West Hartford medical practice of Dr. Walter McInterny, a doctor approaching retirement age. 17-year-old Elizabeth "Buffy" Koenig is a precocious student at West Hartford's William Hall High School. Her boyfriend Gerry is a football player at Hall High. While Dr. McInterny is away on vacation, longtime patient Buffy hurts her leg while harmlessly kicking a soccer ball during Gerry's nearby football practice. At the hospital, Dr. Kendall finds that not only is the leg broken, but the bone was also weakened by cancer. Dr. Kendall treats Buffy and the two develop a bond that extends beyond the doctor-patient relationship; Dr. Kendall is drawn to Buffy's humor and raw honesty."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Marsha Mason does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is Promises in the Dark worth your time? If you appreciate Drama 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, Promises in the Dark is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities.
With a runtime of 118 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.
⏳ Time Investment
118MIN
At approximately 2.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.