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During a Christmas reunion in a small Texas town, Adrian grapples with a hidden truth and strained relationships amidst the backdrop of the early AIDS crisis. As he confronts the secrets that haunt his family and the tragedy unfolding around him, Adrian must examine the fragility of human connection and the strength needed to face difficult truths. The holiday gathering becomes a reckoning, testing the bonds of love and loyalty.

During a Christmas reunion in a small Texas town, Adrian grapples with a hidden truth and strained relationships amidst the backdrop of the early AIDS crisis. As he confronts the secrets that haunt his family and the tragedy unfolding around him, Adrian must examine the fragility of human connection and the strength needed to face difficult truths. The holiday gathering becomes a reckoning, testing the bonds of love and loyalty.

Does 1985 have end credit scenes?

No!

1985 does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of 1985

Explore the complete cast of 1985, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for 1985

See how 1985 is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where 1985 stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

80

1985 excels in its thoughtful melding of stark visual composition and heartfelt performances, though its narrative occasionally relies on familiar structures. Reviews highlight the director’s choice of black-and-white 16mm frames that lend tasteful atmosphere, and the cast’s deeply felt portrayals that underscore emotional truths. While some critics note moments of cliché in the screenplay, the film’s authentic sense of place and sincerity of relationships maintain engagement throughout. Ultimately, the movie offers a resonant, intimate family drama that overcomes minor predictability to deliver lasting emotional impact.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for 1985

88
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of Art & Craft, 1985 stands out for its refined visual presentation and measured framing in black-and-white. Critics and viewers have praised the use of 16mm photography to create an understated color palette that evokes period authenticity and foreboding atmosphere. The director’s precise compositions reinforce the film’s tone without drawing attention to technique. Overall, the film’s art direction and cinematography contribute a coherent visual identity.

85
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to Character & Emotion, 1985 benefits from deeply felt performances that anchor its emotional core. Reviewers emphasize Cory Michael Smith’s quiet intensity and Michael Chiklis’s nuanced paternal portrayal, with strong chemistry among the principal cast. While a few critics note occasional stiffness or archetypal tendencies, the predominant view credits the ensemble with authentic emotional depth. The film’s character work delivers genuine resonance and empathy.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of Story & Flow, 1985 exhibits thoughtful pacing and coherent narrative structure despite occasional reliance on familiar dramatic beats. Some critics find elements of the screenplay clichéd or sermon-like, while others highlight its measured unfolding of family tension and historical context. The film balances intimate domestic drama with broader social themes, maintaining engagement through character-driven scenes. Overall, its narrative offers earnest insight with minor predictability.

82
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When considering Sensory Experience, 1985 delivers a cohesive and immersive audio-visual environment marked by its black-and-white sound design and subtle soundtrack. Critics note the film’s quiet use of silence and strategic ambient noises to underscore emotional beats, while the elegant visual style reinforces period authenticity. The measured sound mix and precise visual cohesion work together to support the film’s intimate tone. These elements create a compelling sensory atmosphere.

65
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of Rewatch Factor, 1985 offers moderate replay value through its emotional subtlety and measured pacing. Viewers appreciate the film’s quiet moments and layered character interactions, which may reveal new nuances on subsequent viewings. However, the weighty subject matter and deliberate tone could limit frequent revisits for some audiences. Overall, the film maintains a lasting appeal for those drawn to intimate, character-driven narratives.

Metacritic

71

Metascore

7.0

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

96%

TOMATOMETER

review

82%

User Score

IMDb

7.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

62

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.8

From 104 fan ratings

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for 1985

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from 1985. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Theatrical Trailer

Can I borrow your car?

"This is really beautiful"

Brotherly Love

"You voted Democrat!?"

UK Teaser

Yen Tan and Cory Michael Smith talk Religion and Sexuality

Director Yen Tan on Growing Up Gay in 1980's Malaysia

Cory Michael Smith talks Aids, Trauma and Family

1985 Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


aidsgay kisshomosexualitygay charactergay interestgayfather son relationshipbrother brother relationshipmother son relationshipyear 1985fort worth texasfamily relationshipscloseted homosexualchristmasconservative familyhomosexual charactergay songerman shepherdreligious familyhome for the holidaysconservativechildhood friendyear as titledallas texaschristmas seasoncassette tape playerreference to madonnaburning secular musictalking to a dogcredit card declinedbible as giftstand up comedianrecreational drug usedisco clubkissgood bye visitreference to reagan mondale electionreference to the equal rights amendmentreference to vietnam warmusic storefinger lacerationreference to gay discriminationskin lesion1980scoming outprayersaying gracehuggingtelephone callpay phone

1985 Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for 1985 across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


1985年 O Ano de 1985

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