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Raising Cain doesn't rank with Brian De Palma's best work, but John Lithgow's spellbinding split-personality performance makes this thriller hard to dismiss. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

A highly regarded child psychologist, Dr. Carter Nix (John Lithgow) has shown signs of being unstable, but he completely snaps when he discovers that his wife, Jenny (Lolita Davidovich), is having an affair. Nix's mental breakdown leads to the emergence of various other personalities, including a ruthless thug and a scared little boy. Nix's descent into madness involves murder, revenge and even the abduction of his own daughter, resulting in a suspenseful web of intrigue.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    horror, mystery and thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Brian De Palma
  • Producer:
    Gale Anne Hurd
  • Writer:
    Brian De Palma
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $20.5M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Pacific Western
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Stereo

Cast & Crew

John Lithgow
Carter, Cain, Dr. Nix, Josh, Margo
Lolita Davidovich
Jenny
Steven Bauer
Jack Dante
Frances Sternhagen
Dr. Lynn Waldheim
Gregg Henry
Lt. Terri
Tom Bower
Sgt. Cully
Mel Harris
Sarah
Teri Austin
Karen
Gabrielle Carteris
Nan
Barton Heyman
Mack
Brian De Palma
Director
Gale Anne Hurd
Producer
Brian De Palma
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for Raising Cain

All Critics (37) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (15)

View All Critic Reviews (37)

Audience Reviews for Raising Cain

  • Feb 06, 2019
    Plays out like a trashy airport paperback. It's not remotely scary but its outrageous enough to be enjoyable.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Jul 13, 2011
    Brian DePalma is one of my favourite filmmakers and even this film is a guilty pleasure. Lithgow is incredible in the lead role and you miss every moment he is off screen. DePalma is in true form and that finale is perfect Hitchcock tension. The scene with Waldheim and the detectives is a master class scene of filmmaking. If you have any doubt of DePalma, check that scene out. The film is out there and it is a tough film to engage with early on. I have heard of a DC version of the film, but that is not the version I have seen. DePalma hasn't changed his filmmaking style over the years and this is another film I enjoy watching from time to time. 02/04/2019
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Jan 20, 2010
    A misunderstood movie that is almost as bizarre and comical in nature as Body Double. Brian De Palma’s style really shines here, due to the fact that he plays perfectly with insanity. His shots make sense more than they do in some of his other work. To make this what it is though, it wouldn’t be complete without someone like John Lithgow. He gives such a scarily funny performance(s) as a man gone crazy in four different ways. The plot is very much a homage to Psycho, but even more on the edge of insanity. Whether it’s kidnapping babies or dressing like Margot, Carter is quite the multiple personalities victim. I would only suggest watching it if you get Brian De Palma’s style, otherwise you will be completely lost and write it off as silly.
    Conner R Super Reviewer
  • Nov 05, 2008
    not a bad movie keeps you on the edge of your seat,John Lithgow is great in it,worth the rent on a Friday night.
    Daryl . Super Reviewer
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