Postmortem (1998)

A chilling 1998 thriller starring Charlie Sheen as a man framed for murders he never committed — one fax at a time.

Postmortem - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1998
  • Directed by: Albert Pyun
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Thriller
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 1h 45m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): June 20, 1998 (Japan), June 30, 1998 (United States - R)
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Postmortem - Plot

The only thing James wants is to remain away from Scotland. One day, however, he receives a fax, a printout of an unknown person's obituary. The next day, he is charged and arrested for the murder of this person.

Postmortem - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the mystery begin to unravel:

The only way to trap a serial killer is to know what he feels, what he thinks, and when he'll strike...again.

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Postmortem - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Albert Pyun

Main Cast

  • Charlie Sheen
  • Michael Halsey
  • Ivana Miličević
  • Stephen McCole
  • Gary Lewis
  • Phil McCall
  • Ian Hanmore
  • Zoë Eeles
  • Dave Anderson
  • Stephen Docherty

Writers

  • John Lowry Lamb
  • Robert McDonnell

Producers

  • Gary Schmoeller
  • Tom Karnowski

Postmortem - FAQs

What is Postmortem (1998) about?

Postmortem follows James McGregor, a man desperate to stay out of Scotland, who one day receives a fax containing a stranger's obituary. The next morning, he's arrested for that person's murder. What unfolds is a tense cat-and-mouse thriller as James tries to clear his name while a serial killer lurks.

Is there a serial killer twist in Postmortem?

Yes — the film's central hook is that James keeps receiving obituaries of people before they're killed, making him the prime suspect each time. The tagline says it all: to trap the killer, you have to think like one. The mystery of who's sending the faxes drives the entire story forward.

Where can you stream Postmortem (1998)?

You can watch Postmortem for free on The Roku Channel, Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome — all ad-supported or free-tier platforms. No subscription required, so it's easy to check out without spending anything.

Who stars in Postmortem alongside Charlie Sheen?

Charlie Sheen leads the cast as James McGregor. He's joined by Michael Halsey as Inspector Balantine, Ivana Miličević as Gwen Turner, Stephen McCole as George Statler Jr., and Gary Lewis as Wallace. The supporting cast also includes Ian Hanmore, Phil McCall, and Dave Anderson.

Who directed Postmortem and what is his style?

Albert Pyun directed Postmortem. Known for his prolific low-budget genre work, Pyun brought a gritty, atmospheric sensibility to this Scotland-set thriller. He's the filmmaker behind titles like Cyborg (1989) and Nemesis (1992), making him a cult figure in direct-to-video action and thriller circles.

Is Postmortem (1998) worth watching for thriller fans?

If you enjoy late-90s direct-to-video thrillers with a moody Scottish backdrop, Postmortem has its charms. The fax-obituary premise is genuinely clever, and Charlie Sheen delivers a solid lead performance. It won't reinvent the genre, but it's a competent, atmospheric mystery that holds your attention.

Where was Postmortem (1998) filmed?

Postmortem was filmed on location in Scotland, which gives the film a distinctly cold, grey, and atmospheric look. The Scottish setting is central to the story — James's reluctance to be there adds a layer of personal tension that runs throughout the film alongside the murder mystery.

What is the age rating for Postmortem (1998)?

Postmortem is rated R, so it's intended for adult audiences. The rating reflects the film's thriller content, which includes violence and mature themes tied to its serial killer storyline. Definitely not one for younger viewers.

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