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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Wastrel.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Wastrel Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1961)

A wealthy and self-serving man, sets out on a perilous ocean voyage with his son. An unexpected incident with the vessel causes him to reflect on his not so perfect life....

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then The Wastrel offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1961 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Wastrel (1961), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. 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 wealthy and self-serving man, sets out on a perilous ocean voyage with his son. An unexpected incident with the vessel causes him to reflect on his not so perfect life."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Ellie Lambeti 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 Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Wastrel 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, The Wastrel misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 84 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

84MIN

At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.