Dead Ringer
Dead Ringer

Dead Ringer

1981Movie101 minEnglish

Part fiction, part documentary. Dead Ringer was created as a promotional tie-in to Meat Loaf's album of the same name, which was his follow-up to the hugely successful "Bat Out Of Hell".

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Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Director: Paul LynchGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A woman named Anna is pressured by her manipulative and wealthy husband, Julian, to have an abortion. After she refuses, Julian arranges for her to be killed by a hitman. However, the hitman mistakes Anna's look-alike, a prostitute named Margaret, for Anna and murders her instead. Anna then devises a plan to impersonate Margaret and get revenge on Julian.

Critical Reception

Dead Ringer is a lesser-known slasher film from the early 1980s. While it has a few fans for its atmosphere and some gruesome moments, it is generally considered to be a predictable and somewhat convoluted thriller with a weak plot and underdeveloped characters. It did not receive widespread critical acclaim upon its release.

What Reviewers Say

  • A convoluted plot with questionable logic.
  • Features some moments of brutal violence typical of early 80s slashers.
  • Lacks the suspense and character development to be truly effective.

Google audience: Audience reception for Dead Ringer is scarce due to its limited release and cult status. General sentiment, where available, often points to it being a forgettable entry in the horror genre.

Fun Fact

The film's plot bears a striking resemblance to the 1940 film 'The Letter,' which also involves mistaken identity and murder for financial gain.

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