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Black Widow

Black Widow

Thriller · 1987

Federal agent Alexandra Barnes believes that Catherine Petersen is a serial killer who marries rich men and then murders them for their money. But since Catherine is seemingly a master of disguise and has multiple identities, Alexandra can't prove anything with conventional detective work. With no other option, she goes undercover, pursuing the same man as Catherine, and hoping that Catherine will slip up and reveal her true identity.

Movie details

Black Widow

“She mates and she kills.”

1987 Thriller 1h 42m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.2 / 10

Community rating

Federal agent Alexandra Barnes believes that Catherine Petersen is a serial killer who marries rich men and then murders them for their money. But since Catherine is seemingly a master of disguise and has multiple identities, Alexandra can't prove anything with conventional detective work. With no other option, she goes undercover, pursuing the same man as Catherine, and hoping that Catherine will slip up and reveal her true identity.

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 Black Widow?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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The Mirror Crack'd

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Bob Rafelson

Written by

Ronald Bass

Debra Winger

Debra Winger

Alexandra

Theresa Russell

Theresa Russell

Catharine

Sami Frey

Sami Frey

Paul

Dennis Hopper

Dennis Hopper

Ben

Nicol Williamson

Nicol Williamson

William

Terry O'Quinn

Terry O'Quinn

Bruce

James Hong

James Hong

Shin

Court is in session

Put Black Widow on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.