Deathtrap Movie Review (1982)

People always say, “They don’t make them like they used to.” And while I don’t always agree with that sentiment, with Deathtrap, they’re absolutely right.

I always get a little nervous when I encounter a play-turned-movie. As a theatre critic myself, I’ve heard of Deathtrap, but never saw it performed and didn’t know the story. Man, was I pleasantly surprised.

Deathtrap is the story of a previously successful and now-struggling playwright who is approached by a former student out of the blue. The student has written a brilliant play, and the playwright and his wife develop a scheme so that both men can ultimately claim commercial success with it – whether the student likes it or not.

This movie is a black comedy and thriller, not a horror film, as the title would lead you to believe. With only 4 major roles (plus a few tiny appearances by other actors) and taking place almost entirely in one house, you feel a little bit as if you’re watching mice run around in a maze. And I mean that in the best of ways.

While there are some excellent effects with thunder and lightning and incredibly engaging cinematography, the gift of this movie is in its actors. Because this was a play, the acting and the strength of the actors is critical, and it was ultimately cast spectacularly.

Starring Michael Caine as the playwright and Christopher Reeve as his student, I can’t tell you what a treat this was. I am only familiar with Christopher Reeve as Superman and, while I’ve seen a lot of Michael Caine’s work, I’ve never seen him like this.

Both men were revelatory. They were beautiful and intense, with a balance between them that I haven’t seen before. I kept thinking that I wasn’t sure that any other actor could hold their own in the same way because they are the perfect foils for each other. Watch their faces. The nuance in their eyes and smiles is electric.

There are a lot of entertaining twists and turn in this dynamic movie, but the actors are where its at. Plus, Dyan Cannon, the shaky and eccentric wife, can scream like no other. It’s a character trait more than anything, and she pulls it off winningly.

Runtime: 116 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: PG (BUT, Poltergeist was also rated PG in 1982 (crazy, right!?), so I suggest you consider this to be more PG-13)

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes, definitely

Did I Cry? No, but I could feel my eyes sparkling with enjoyment

My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Available: To free on Tubi, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms