The defence The Big-Idea Head
“Form is the argument.”
Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.
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Sleuth
Thriller · Mystery · Crime · 1972
A man who loves games and theatre invites his wife's lover to meet, setting up a battle of wits with potentially deadly results.
Movie details
Sleuth
“Think of the perfect crime... Then go one step further.”
1972 Thriller · Mystery · Crime 2h 18m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
7.7 / 10
Community rating
A man who loves games and theatre invites his wife's lover to meet, setting up a battle of wits with potentially deadly results.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over Sleuth?
For the defence
The Big-Idea Head
“You watch with your brain, not your gut.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Popcorn Loyalist
“Big screen, big feelings, no apologies.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Where it lives
Watch in your region.
Cinema release signals and current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region.
Streaming availability data supplied by JustWatch.
Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Written by
Anthony Shaffer
Laurence Olivier
Andrew Wyke
Michael Caine
Milo Tindle
Court is in session
Put Sleuth on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist
“Technique in search of a pulse.”
Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.