Murderlust
Murderlust

Movie spotlight

Murderlust

1985
Movie
90 min
English

A serial killer, who is actually a handsome Sunday school teacher, abducts young women and disposes their bodies in the Mojave Desert.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users75%
Director: Nicholas MeyerGenres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

A successful Los Angeles homicide detective, Michael Selkirk, is drawn into a complex investigation when his former mentor is murdered. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power in the city, forcing him to question everyone he trusts, including his own judgment. The case becomes intensely personal, blurring the lines between duty and obsession as he races against time to expose the truth.

Critical Reception

Murderlust received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics often praised the film's stylish direction and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Tom Selleck and F. Murray Abraham. However, some found the plot to be somewhat convoluted and predictable, with pacing issues in the latter half. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating the suspenseful atmosphere and the classic detective noir elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric tension and strong central performances.

  • Criticized for a plot that becomes overly intricate and occasionally loses steam.

  • Appreciated as a solid entry in the crime thriller genre with noir influences.

Google audience: Audiences generally found Murderlust to be an engaging and well-acted thriller, with many enjoying the suspenseful plot and the chemistry between the main cast. Some viewers noted that while the mystery was compelling, the resolution could have been clearer.

Fun Fact

Nicholas Meyer, known for directing "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," also wrote the screenplay for Murderlust under a pseudonym, though he is credited as director.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_Mundane study of a Sunday School teacher who strangles young women in his spare time_** A disgruntled bachelor in Greater Los Angeles (Eli Rich) hops from job to job while being a faithful churchgoer. He vents his negative energy by p...