Deathtrap
Movie • 1982 • 116 min
PG
"The trap is set... For a wickedly funny who'll-do-it."
A Broadway playwright puts murder in his plan to take credit for a student's script.
What viewers say
Viewers enjoy this murder-mystery thriller for its clever plot twists and the committed performances of its leads, especially Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine, and many call it crackling, twisty fun. Common criticisms are that it feels more like a filmed stage play than a movie, with talky, over-the-top dialogue and loud outbursts, and that it is less tense or creepy than similar thrillers. Some find it derivative of earlier stage mysteries, and parents note a visceral strangling and some violence.
Best for: Viewers who like twisty, theatrical whodunits with lots of dialogue and don't mind some dark violence.
Summary of public viewer reviews, updated November 2026.
comedymysterythriller
📺 Where to Watch
🎬 Watch Trailer
Trailer hosted on YouTube. Click play to load.
🎭 Cast
Michael Caine as Sidney Bruhl
Christopher Reeve as Clifford Anderson
Dyan Cannon as Myra Bruhl
Irene Worth as Helga ten Dorp
Henry Jones as Porter Milgrim
Joe Silver as Seymour Starger
Tony DiBenedetto as Burt
Joel Siegel as Joel Siegel