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Orca
1977 92 min Italy, Netherlands PG 16+
★5.4
Horror, Thriller
Director: Michael Anderson
Trailers
EN
Teaser
EN
EN
Description
After witnessing the killing of his mate and offspring at the hands of a reckless Irish captain, a vengeful killer whale rampages through the fisherman's Newfoundland harbor. Under pressure from the villagers, the captain, a female marine biologist, and an Indigenous tribalist venture after the great beast, who will meet them on its own turf.
Budget:
$17.5M
US Gross:
$14.72M
Worldwide:
$14.72M
Starring
Richard Harris
Actor
Charlotte Rampling
Actor
Will Sampson
Actor
Key opinion
Orca is widely regarded as a somber, ecologically-conscious take on the 'Jaws' subgenre, trading mindless monster tropes for a revenge-driven maritime tragedy. While technical execution and script logic draw criticism, the film is consistently elevated by Ennio Morricone’s haunting score and a morally complex performance by Richard Harris.
| Score | Ennio Morricone’s score provides a melancholic, soul-shattering depth that is essential to the film's atmospheric success. | |
| Theme | The narrative succeeds as a tragic parable about human hubris and the consequences of violating the natural world. | |
| Acting | Richard Harris anchors the film with a compelling, emotionally layered portrayal of a man grappling with guilt and obsession. | |
| Screenplay | The script draws criticism for its flat dialogue and forced narrative contrivances, though some viewers find these elements redeemed by the film's earnest moral intent. | |
| Direction | Viewers are divided on whether the film is a poignant, soulful tragedy or a dated, clunky entry that suffers from unconvincing effects and questionable logic. |