Narc
Seen it?2002 | 105 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.8 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved L.A. Confidential or The Long Goodbye, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, gritty.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence and drug use.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Narcotics Sergeant Nick Tellis, on leave after a trauma, is called back to investigate the murder of fellow undercover operative Michael Calvess, joined by the victim's unpredictable and brutal ex-partner, Henry Oak. Working together in the back alleys of Detroit, Tellis and Oak delve into a dark investigation that leads them to uncover shocking secrets and question the corruption and morality within the department, encountering unorthodox methods and a brutal truth about Calvess's death.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 3 Independent Spirit Awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$13 million worldwide on a $7 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 72K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
No Sudden Move Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Ray Liotta, in another crime thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
L.A. Confidential
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime thriller.
Deep Cover Sunday Safe BetAnother crime thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Long Goodbye
Saturday SpecialAnother mystery.
Copycat Sunday Safe BetAnother crime thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Joe Carnahan
- Jason PatricDet. Sgt. Nick Tellis
- Ray LiottaDet. Lt. Henry Oak
- Chi McBrideCpt. Mitchell Cheevers
- Krista BridgesAudrey Tellis
- John OrtizOctavio Ruiz
- Busta RhymesDarnell 'Big D Love' Beery
- Richard ChevolleauLatroy Steeds
- Alan van SprangMichael Calvess
- Anne OpenshawKathryn Calvess
- Tony De SantisMedical Examiner Art Harlan