No Way Out
Seen it?1987 | 114 min | Thriller, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Mississippi Burning or Eyes Wide Shut, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Navy Lt. Tom Farrell meets a young woman, Susan Atwell, and they share a passionate fling. Farrell then finds out that his superior, Defense Secretary David Brice, is also romantically involved with Atwell. When the young woman turns up dead, Farrell is put in charge of the murder investigation. He begins to uncover shocking clues about the case, but when details of his encounter with Susan surface, he becomes a suspect as well.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$36 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 248K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Mississippi Burning
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Gene Hackman, in another drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
Basic Instinct
Sunday Safe BetAlso stars George Dzundza, in another thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Eyes Wide Shut Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Taxi Driver Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Mulholland Falls
Monday Morning MaybeAnother drama. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Roger Donaldson
- Kevin CostnerLt. Cmdr. Tom Farrell
- Gene HackmanDefense Secretary David Brice
- Sean YoungSusan Atwell
- Will PattonScott Pritchard
- Howard DuffSenator William 'Billy' Duvall
- George DzundzaSam Hesselman
- Jason BernardMajor Donovan
- ImanNina Beka
- Fred ThompsonCIA Director Marshall
- Leon RussomKevin O'Brien