A Simple Twist of Fate

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A Simple Twist of Fate

PG-13

Released Sep 2, 1994

1h 46m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

46%

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24 Reviews

55%

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10,000+ Ratings

Small-town recluse Michael McCann (Steve Martin) lives an isolated existence until unusual events pull him out of his shell. After his beloved coin collection is stolen, an orphaned toddler suddenly appears at his house. Unknown to Michael, who adopts the little girl, she is the illegitimate child of local politician John Newland (Gabriel Byrne), who keeps his secret to protect his reputation. Later, however, Newland decides to go public with his revelation, leading to a custody battle.

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Sheila Johnston

Independent (UK)

This is yet another new Hollywood film about parenting where mothers are apparently superfluous.

Jun 25, 2025

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Dreary, misconceived movie about a man redeemed by the love of a child.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 5, 2002

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This is not at all a bad movie, mind you, but a good movie gone wrong, through a simple twist of miscalculation.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

This charming movie, directed with a light touch by the Scottish filmmaker Gillies MacKinnon, follows the book fairly closely.

Jun 24, 2025

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Quentin Curtis

Independent on Sunday

Makes little of the book's symbolism, but captures the redemptive delight the adopted child brings to the miser.

Jun 24, 2025

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Nov 8, 2005

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Tonya A.

Slow, cute, corky film I found thru Netflix DVD mail service. My favorite Steve Martin film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

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thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, o elenco é fraco, mas ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, a história é fraca, os personagens sao fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes para fazer o filme ser bom.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/02/25

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Alain E

On IMDb, whose ratings Prime Video imports, this disaster has very high score. At least this site is more realistic. Despite well known actors, this is slow and disjointed. I wasted 20 minutes more than it deserves.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/20/25

Full Review

tachyon1024

Based on the classic book Silas Mariner, if you are looking for over the top, silly comedy, you will be disappointed. It is actually an emotionaly deep, well written movie. From the shock of his wife's affair and pregnancy that drives a man into seclusion, to his eventual love for an orphaned child.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/07/23

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Steve D

Not a great script but Martin makes it work.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Ending was a bit silly but not a bad movie 2.9

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/18/22

Full Review

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Gillies MacKinnon

Director

Steve Martin

Michael McCann

Gabriel Byrne

John Newland

Laura Linney

Nancy Lambert Newland

Catherine O'Hara

April Simon

Stephen Baldwin

Tanny Newland

Stella

29%

76%

Stella

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Synopsis

Small-town recluse Michael McCann (Steve Martin) lives an isolated existence until unusual events pull him out of his shell. After his beloved coin collection is stolen, an orphaned toddler suddenly appears at his house. Unknown to Michael, who adopts the little girl, she is the illegitimate child of local politician John Newland (Gabriel Byrne), who keeps his secret to protect his reputation. Later, however, Newland decides to go public with his revelation, leading to a custody battle.

Director: Gillies MacKinnon
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 2, 1994, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.4M
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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