---
title: "The Lesser Evil"
year: 1998
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-lesser-evil-1998"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 72825
imdb_id: "tt0160459"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 93
community_rating: 5.8
vote_count: 12
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Lesser Evil (1998) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-lesser-evil-1998

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Lesser Evil is a 1998 American psychological thriller film directed by David Mackay. The film features a nonlinear narrative following four men who reunite in a remote cabin for the first time in two decades. Rather than reminisce about the past, they gather to sort out the deadly details of a fateful afternoon twenty years earlier when they skipped school and went overboard in dealing with two bullies. Years later, new evidence appears, and authorities are hot on their trail to solve the murders. As the haunting truth catches up with them, the friends face the reality that they are probably heading for jail. Written by Jeremy Levine and Stephan Schultze, the film stars Colm Feore, Tony Goldwyn, Arliss Howard, and David Paymer. Among the four characters are the owner of a failing lumber company, a priest, and a policeman.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Fawesome | Amazon Video |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: David Mackay
- **Networks / Studios**: Moondog Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Colm Feore** as *Derek*
- **Tony Goldwyn** as *Frank*
- **Arliss Howard** as *Ivan*
- **David Paymer** as *George*
- **Steven Petrarca** as *Young Frank*
- **Jonathan Scarfe** as *Young Derek*
- **Adam Scott** as *Young George*
- **Marc Worden** as *Young Ivan*
- **Jack Kehler** as *Detective Hardaway*
- **Richard Riehle** as *Detective Smitts*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch The Lesser Evil online?
The Lesser Evil is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Video, Plex, Plex Channel, Tubi TV. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is The Lesser Evil worth watching?
The Lesser Evil holds a community rating of 5.8/10 based on 12 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Thriller for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie The Lesser Evil and when was it released?
The Lesser Evil is a feature film with a runtime of 93 minutes. It was released in 1998. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed The Lesser Evil?
The Lesser Evil was directed by David Mackay.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Lesser Evil — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/72825)
- [The Lesser Evil (1998 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lesser_Evil_(1998_film))
- [The Lesser Evil (1998) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/72825-the-lesser-evil/cast)
- [The Lesser Evil (1998) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0160459/)
- [The Lesser Evil (1998 film)](https://www.wikiwand.com/)
- [Where to Watch The Lesser Evil (1998) Online](https://watch.plex.tv/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*