Frantic

Watch Frantic

"They've taken his wife. Now he's taking action."
  • R
  • 1988
  • 2 hr
  • 6.8  (58,699)
  • 66

Frantic is a suspenseful thriller from 1988 starring Harrison Ford, Betty Buckley, and Emmanuelle Seigner. Directed by Roman Polanski, the film is set in Paris and follows the story of Dr. Richard Walker (Ford), an American surgeon who is visiting the city with his wife Sondra (Buckley). When Sondra disappears from their hotel room, Dr. Walker is plunged into a dangerous and bewildering quest to find her.

The movie begins with Dr. Walker arriving in Paris with his wife for a medical conference. They check into their hotel and settle in, but things take a turn when Sondra disappears from their room while Dr. Walker is taking a shower. He searches the room and the hotel but finds no trace of her. The police are called, but they are slow to take action and offer little help. Dr. Walker is left to his own devices and begins a frantic search for his wife.

As Dr. Walker becomes more desperate, he discovers that Sondra may have been involved in some shady dealings. He meets with a mysterious woman named Michelle (Seigner), who claims to be a messenger from a group of criminals that may have taken Sondra. Michelle's clues lead Dr. Walker on a dangerous journey through the seedy underworld of Paris, where he encounters drug dealers, prostitutes, and smugglers.

Throughout the movie, Dr. Walker is faced with obstacles and challenges that test his resolve and resourcefulness. He must use all of his medical knowledge and intelligence to survive and find his wife. The tension and suspense build as he uncovers more about Sondra's disappearance and the dangerous people involved.

The performances in Frantic are excellent. Harrison Ford is convincing as the desperate and determined Dr. Walker. He portrays the character's sense of urgency and mounting desperation in a way that is both authentic and engaging. Betty Buckley is also great as Sondra, although she has limited screen time. Emmanuelle Seigner is captivating as Michelle, the enigmatic woman who helps Dr. Walker on his quest.

The cinematography in the movie is atmospheric and effective in creating a sense of unease and uncertainty. The scenes in the streets of Paris are particularly well done, with Polanski using the city's distinctive architecture and ambiance to full effect.

One of the strengths of Frantic is its pacing. The movie moves along briskly, with each scene contributing to the overall tension and sense of danger. The suspense builds steadily throughout the film, with Polanski skillfully ratcheting up the intensity until the final climactic scene.

In terms of weaknesses, some viewers may find the plot a bit convoluted or implausible. There are a lot of twists and turns, and some of the characters' motivations are not fully explained. Additionally, the ending may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied, as it is somewhat ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Overall, Frantic is a well-crafted thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and an engaging plot, it is a must-see for fans of suspenseful cinema.

Frantic is a 1988 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 66.

Frantic
Description
Where to Watch Frantic
Frantic is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Frantic for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1988
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (58,699)
  • Metascore
    66