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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for System.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is System Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

An adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s tale The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether, transposed to a contemporary setting. A couple visits a remote asylum where the woman knows the...

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of TV Movie, Horror cinema, then System offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1981 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of TV Movie films
Fans of Horror films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of System (1981), audiences are invited back into the world of TV Movie, Horror. 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. "An adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s tale The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether, transposed to a contemporary setting. A couple visits a remote asylum where the woman knows the staff, only to discover that the institution is overrun and the lines between doctors and patients have collapsed."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Jerzy Przybylski 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 TV Movie. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is System worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie, Horror 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, System misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 27 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

27MIN

At approximately 0.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.