Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Prick Up Your Ears

Name: Prick Up Your Ears
Genre: Drama
Released: 1987-04-17
Cast: Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, Vanessa Redgrave, Wallace Shawn, Lindsay Duncan

1987 | 111 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes). 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic
AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 48K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Stephen Frears

Gary OldmanJoe Orton
Alfred MolinaKenneth Halliwell
Vanessa RedgravePeggy Ramsay
Wallace ShawnJohn Lahr
Lindsay DuncanAnthea Lahr
Julie WaltersElsie Orton
James GrantWilliam Orton
Frances BarberLeonie Orton
Janet DaleMrs Sugden
Dave AtkinsMr Sugden