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Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, Sami Frey, Dennis Hopper, Nicol Williamson ... see more see more... , Diane Ladd , Terry O'Quinn , Lois Smith , D.W. Moffett , Leo Rossi , Mary Woronov , Rutanya Alda , James Hong , Raleigh Bond , Al Cerullo , Christian Clemenson , Wayne Heffley , Thomas Hill , Danny Kamekona , Robert J. Peters , Julie Robinson , Arsenio "Sonny" Trinidad , Johnny S.B. Willis , Gene Callahan , David Mamet , Richard E. Arnold , Tee Dennard , Denise Dennison , Chris S. Ducey , Kate Hall , Marcia Holley , David Kasparian , Bea Kiyohara , Darrah Meeley , Mick Muldoon , Juleen Murray , Allen Nause , Ed Pang , George Ricord , Donegan Smith

Black Widow bears no relation to the 1954 film of the same name--beyond its characterization of the female as the deadlier of the species, that is. Debra Winger stars as a federal agent who has sworn ... read more read more...to bring Theresa Russell to justice. Ms. Russell has married several millionaires who have all died mysterious deaths, for which she has remained undetected because she has assumed a number of different identities. Ms. Winger is the only person in her department who suspects that all of the deceased millionaires' widows are the same person. Finally tracking down Russell, Winger finds herself inexorably becoming friends with the charming murderess. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

42% liked it

3,614 ratings

Critics

56% liked it

16 critics

R, 1 hr. 41 min.

Directed by: Bob Rafelson

Release Date: February 6, 1987

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DVD Release Date: February 3, 2004

Stats: 136 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (136)


  • September 28, 2008
    "Black Widow" starring Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, Diane Ladd, and Dennis Hopper is a very good mystery/thriller.
    Debra Winger is a very talented actress and is very good as the reporter in this film. Winger is the career driven reporter looking into a woman that possibly ha... read mores married several wealthy men and killed them all for the money....very well done and worth watching.
  • August 12, 2008
    Pretty dated in looks and it took a while to warm up, likeable, but nothing special
  • March 27, 2008
    The leads are the whole show which thanks to them is quite an enjoyable cat and mouse game.
  • December 21, 2010
    She Mates, She Kills ... But does she ever Love?
    Alexandra (Debra Winger) plays a workaholic FBI agent who pursues a rich young widow (Theresa Russell) who seduces, marries a succession of older wealthy men and then kills them off by a mysterious means of poisoning. When the "Bl... read moreack Widow" sets her eyes on a handsome hotel chain owner (Sami Frey), Alexandra goes undercover to Hawaii to track her down but things get personal when she falls for the intended victim. Will Alex save him from the Black Widow's evil clutches or will he fall for the seductive femme fatale?
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  • January 24, 2008
    My film class taught me that there's a bunch of psychological subtext. Fine, but it feels like a dated, mostly tame thriller with some cool momments. See: the awesome kiss-of-death scene.
  • June 21, 2011
    A Woman(Theresa Russell) who Marries Wealthy Men , Loves them, But Kills them for their Money, then changes Persona's & Victims.She is being hunted by a FBI agent(Debra Winger) who becomes a bit smitten with her herself.A Sexy Suspense Thriller
  • December 9, 2010
    I admit, I watched this movie mostly because Theresa Russel is in it. Unfortunately the story is rather predictable and the ending is just ludicrous. If it was just a bit more plausible I would have given it a higher rating. Certainly not the best movie with Theresa Russell.
  • August 20, 2009
    Quite decent psychological thriller. Theresa Russell has always been such an underrated actress. I am very surprised she did not become a major star, she has everything it takes. And, she is terrific as always in this film. Tense and exciting, nicely edited. A fine film.
  • June 29, 2008
    IT'S NOT TOO BAD WITH A SODA AND SOME POP-CORN AND YOUR WOMAN JUST MAKE SURE SHE'S NOT A BLACK WIDOW ?
  • February 2, 2007
    awesome mystery/drama! Loved the action. At times a little too realistic, but otherwise, really good.

Critic Reviews


Dennis Schwartz
July 20, 2004
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

The performances by Theresa Russell and Debra Winger were superb. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
February 3, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Black Widow is an engaging and mesmerizing psychological thriller. Full Review

Blake Davis
September 12, 2003
Blake Davis, KFOR Channel 4 News

A smart, twisty, stylish thriller with a good Debra Winger performance.

Clint Morris
September 17, 2002
Clint Morris, Moviehole

Weaves quite an intriguing web

Scott Weinberg
July 25, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Stylish and sleek, yet also rather slow.

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Paul Attanasio
January 1, 2000
Paul Attanasio, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Black Widow Trivia


  • In what movie did Wilber the pig have a certain black widow friend?  Answer »
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