Past Perfect poster

Past Perfect

"Is the future worth dying for?"

Movie 1996 1h 32m 4.1 /10
Directed by Jonathan Heap

Set against a rain slick Seattle, Past Perfect follows a veteran detective who tries to shut down a kid run arms ring before more violence erupts. His pursuit tightens when he finally corners a teenage dealer, but the law won't let him indict the youth as an adult. Meanwhile a ruthless killer... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 18, 2026

About Past Perfect

Set against a rain slick Seattle, Past Perfect follows a veteran detective who tries to shut down a kid run arms ring before more violence erupts. His pursuit tightens when he finally corners a teenage dealer, but the law won't let him indict the youth as an adult. Meanwhile a ruthless killer methodically wipes out the rest of the gang, turning the case into a race against time. The detective finds himself drawn into a dangerous dynamic where saving one kid may require wading into the very underworld he hunts. The city becomes a pressure cooker as moral lines blur and personal risk climbs.

Past Perfect was directed by Jonathan Heap from a screenplay by John Penney. Shot largely on location in Seattle, the film leans on practical effects and tight room tone to give its urban sci fi beat weight. Eric Roberts and Laurie Holden anchor the ensemble with a blunt, no frills energy.

Box office data for Past Perfect is not widely published, a sign of its limited release and niche appeal. Because it was not widely released theatrically, figures are sparse, and the film has not had a lasting breakout on streaming platforms or home video.

There are no major awards or nominations widely associated with Past Perfect, and it did not become a fixture in awards season discourse. The film's absence from major ceremonies mirrors its status as a cultish curiosity rather than a marquee release.

Critically, Past Perfect lands somewhere between gritty procedural mood and speculative thriller. Viewers are invited to question the ethics of street justice, the way youth crime feeds into a cycle of violence, and how law enforcement negotiates risk while trying to protect vulnerable suspects. The performances ground the film in human cost, while the Seattle setting adds a moody atmosphere that lingers after the credits. Some critics note the film's quiet restraint as a strength, preferring mood over glossy flash, and see it as a cautionary tale about how fear can drive decisions in urban policing.

Details

Release Date
October 11, 1996
Runtime
1h 32m
User Ratings
12 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Science Fiction, Action
Country
Canada
Studio
James Shavick Film Company +1 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Cast

Eric Roberts

Eric Roberts

Dylan Cooper

Laurie Holden

Laurie Holden

Ally Marsey

Nick Mancuso

Nick Mancuso

Stone

Saul Rubinek

Saul Rubinek

Bookkeeper

M

Marcie Mellish

Zoe

Emily Perkins

Emily Perkins

Karen ‘Shy Girl’ Daniels

Mark Hildreth

Mark Hildreth

Rusty Walker

Yee Jee Tso

Yee Jee Tso

Kim Li 'Blade' Choh

Tygh Runyan

Tygh Runyan

Sid 'Skull' Vincent

Director: Jonathan Heap

Written by: John Penney

Frequently Asked Questions

Past Perfect is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

With a rating of 4.1/10 from 12 viewers, Past Perfect is a mixed bag - check out reviews to see if it's right for you.

Set against a rain slick Seattle, Past Perfect follows a veteran detective who tries to shut down a kid run arms ring before more violence erupts. His pursuit tightens when he finally corners a teenage dealer, but the law won't let him indict the youth as an adult. Meanwhile a ruthless killer met...

Past Perfect stars Eric Roberts, Laurie Holden, Nick Mancuso, Saul Rubinek, and Marcie Mellish.

Past Perfect was directed by Jonathan Heap.

Past Perfect was released on October 11, 1996.

Past Perfect is a Science Fiction and Action film.

Eric Roberts plays Dylan Cooper, the police detective at the center of the story. His character pursues a band of adolescent arms dealers in Seattle.

Laurie Holden portrays Ally Marsey, Nick Mancuso plays Stone, Saul Rubinek is the Bookkeeper, and Marcie Mellish plays Zoe.

Yes, it's a Seattle-set police thriller. The city provides the backdrop for the investigation into the underage arms dealers.

Past Perfect follows a police detective who aims to bring a gang of adolescent arms dealers to justice. He captures one suspect, but the youth's status as a minor prevents charging him as an adult. Meanwhile, someone begins slaughtering the gang mates, forcing the detective to intervene to save the captive.