Butterfly Poster

Butterfly 1982

★ 4.737 votes108 min📅 1982-02-05

"A Controversial Thriller of Murder and Revenge."

In the searing solitude of the California desert, reclusive loner Jess Tyler (Stacy Keach) tends to his quiet, isolated life near the skeletal remains of an abandoned mine.

Director: Matt Cimber

Cast

Stacy Keach
Stacy Keach
Jess Tyler
Pia Zadora
Pia Zadora
Kady Tyler
Orson Welles
Orson Welles
Judge Rauch
Lois Nettleton
Lois Nettleton
Belle Morgan
Edward Albert
Edward Albert
Wash Gillespie
James Franciscus
James Franciscus
Moke Blue
Stuart Whitman
Stuart Whitman
Rev. Rivers
June Lockhart
June Lockhart
Mrs. Gillespie
Ed McMahon
Ed McMahon
Mr. Gillespie
Paul Hampton
Paul Hampton
Norton

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butterfly (1982) about?

The film follows Jess Tyler, a reclusive desert dweller who discovers his estranged daughter has returned, sparking a complicated relationship that spirals into emotional turmoil and unexpected danger. As their bond deepens, tensions mount, revealing dark secrets and a volatile mix of love and obsession.

Who directed Butterfly?

Butterfly was directed by Matt Cimber, known for blending intense character studies with dramatic narratives.

Who stars in Butterfly?

The film features an ensemble cast led by Stacy Keach, Pia Zadora, Orson Welles, Edward Albert, and Lois Nettleton, each delivering powerful performances.

Is Butterfly (1982) worth watching?

While not widely rated on IMDb, *Butterfly* stands out as a provocative crime drama with strong performances, particularly from Orson Welles and Pia Zadora. Its themes of isolation and forbidden desire make it a cult curiosity for fans of psychological tension. Just be prepared for its controversial premise.

How long is Butterfly?

The runtime for *Butterfly* is 108 minutes, offering a tightly-paced narrative that immerses viewers in its desert-bound drama.

🎥 Trailer

About Butterfly (1982) — A Haunting Crime Drama of Fatherhood and Forbidden Desire

In the searing solitude of the California desert, reclusive loner Jess Tyler (Stacy Keach) tends to his quiet, isolated life near the skeletal remains of an abandoned mine. His solitary existence shatters when a strikingly beautiful young woman arrives, revealing herself as his long-lost daughter. As their bond grows, so does an unsettling intimacy that blurs the lines between fatherhood and forbidden attraction, igniting a powder keg of repressed emotions and simmering danger. Directed by Matt Cimber, *Butterfly (1982)* unfolds as a psychological crime drama that delves into themes of isolation, legacy, and the complexities of human desire against a stark, sun-baked backdrop.

With Orson Welles delivering a commanding performance as a morally ambiguous preacher and Edward Albert adding depth as a neighbor drawn into the unfolding drama, this controversial thriller explores the thin veil between love and obsession. Cinematography drips with the heat of the desert, amplifying the film's tense, brooding atmosphere and morally ambiguous journey. For fans of character-driven dramas with a side of psychological tension, *Butterfly* offers an unforgettable narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.