---
title: "Torment"
year: 1986
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/torment-1986"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 224075
imdb_id: "tt0092100"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 85
community_rating: 4.1
vote_count: 9
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Torment (1986) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/torment-1986

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Torment is a 1986 American psychological horror film directed by Samson Aslanian and John Hopkins. The narrative centers on a young woman in San Francisco who finds herself stalked by a sadistic killer while visiting her future mother-in-law's estate, while simultaneously following a detective's efforts to capture the perpetrator.

As a product of the mid-eighties independent horror scene, the film contributes to the era's fascination with stalker-themed thrillers. With a runtime of one hour and twenty-five minutes, the film provides a contained, genre-focused experience that balances crime and mystery elements within its horror framework.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A detective hunts a sadistic killer who shifts his lethal focus toward the detective's own girlfriend."

### Why Watch
- Features a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between a detective and a sadistic killer.
- Showcases a classic 1980s psychological horror atmosphere set in San Francisco.
- Includes performances by Taylor Gilbert, William Witt, and Eve Brenner.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film's pacing and style are rooted in 1986 genre conventions that may feel dated to some modern viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The film maintains a suspenseful, dark tone typical of mid-eighties horror and is paced as a feature-length thriller.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #slasher, #psychological-horror, #san-francisco-setting, #cat-and-mouse, #1980s-horror, #stalker-thriller

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon MX Player | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: John Hopkins, Samson Aslanian
- **Networks / Studios**: Aslanian-Hopkins Production

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Taylor Gilbert** as *Jennifer*
- **William Witt** as *Father*
- **Eve Brenner** as *Mrs. Courtland*
- **Warren Lincoln** as *Michael*
- **Najean Cherry** as *Helen, Mrs. Courtland's housemaid*
- **Stan Weston** as *Bogartis*
- **Doug Leach** as *Officer Tilman*
- **Lisa Ramirez** as *Dianne*
- **Dan Kosloff** as *Barry*
- **Paul McCarthy** as *Officer Gilchrist*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Torment?
Availability varies by region, but the film is indexed on platforms like Plex and The Movie Database.

### Q: Is Torment worth watching?
It is worth watching for fans of 1980s slasher and psychological horror films interested in period-specific genre tropes.

### Q: What is the total duration of the film?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and twenty-five minutes.

### Q: Does this film have multiple episodes?
No, Torment is a standalone feature film released in 1986.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Torment — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/224075)
- [Torment (1986 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torment_(1986_film))
- [Torment (1986) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092100/)
- [Full cast of Torment (Movie, 1986) - MovieMeter.com](https://www.moviemeter.com/movies/crime/torment/cast)
- [Torment (1986) Full Cast & Crew - Plex](https://watch.plex.tv/movie/torment-1986/credits)
- [Torment - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/torment/cast/2000121963/)

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