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Spoiler-Free Summary

Fast Company (1979) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

Release, runtime and language
1979 · 91 min · English
JustWatch #5,463 15
Directed by
David Cronenberg
Starring
John Saxon, Nicholas Campbell, William Smith, Don Francks, Cedric Smith, Claudia Jennings

A homicide detective and a crime reporter find their professional relationship strained by personal tensions while investigating a series of crimes. As Detective Tim Matheson and reporter Ann Jillian delve into the dangerous world of prostitution and murder, their marriage is tested by the pressures of the case and the brutal reality of the call girl's killing. They must confront not only the killer but also the complex dynamics of their own relationship.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What it is about
  3. 3 Is it worth watching?
  4. 4 After you watch
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Fast Company
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Fast Company (1979)

Where can you watch Fast Company? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, Night Flight Plus and Kanopy: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Spoiler-free summary · safe to read

What Is Fast Company About? (No Spoilers)

The plot of Fast Company (1979) without spoilers: what it is about, who it follows and where it takes place, told without the twists or the ending. Enough to decide whether it is your next watch, not enough to ruin it.

In the neon‑lit underbelly of a restless city, the line between duty and desire blurs for two professionals whose lives are forever intertwined. Tim Matheson, a homicide detective seasoned by years of gritty investigations, carries the weight of a badge that demands relentless focus. Across the newsroom, Ann Jillian, a sharp‑tongued crime reporter, pursues the same stories with a relentless curiosity that often places her at the edge of danger. Their shared commitment to uncovering the truth brings them together on a case that delves deep into a hidden world of prostitution and murder, setting the stage for a tense partnership that is as personal as it is professional.

The atmosphere crackles with the urgency of a city that never sleeps, where every alleyway could hide a clue and every headline could shift public perception. As the investigation unfolds, both Tim and Ann must navigate institutional pressures—from skeptical superiors to competitive editors—while wrestling with the emotional cost of immersion in darkness. Their work becomes a mirror reflecting not only the victims they seek justice for, but also the fractures in their own marriage, which is strained by long hours, conflicting priorities, and the ever‑present danger of the case they are chasing.

Against this backdrop of high stakes and moral ambiguity, the film balances the cold precision of police procedure with the fiery pursuit of a story, creating a tension‑filled rhythm that propels the narrative forward. The tone remains suspenseful yet intimate, inviting the audience to feel the pull between professional obligation and personal connection. As the duo draws nearer to answers, the audience is left to wonder whether the pursuit of justice will ultimately bind them tighter together or tear them irrevocably apart.

Last updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:13

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What to expect

Is Fast Company Worth Watching? What It Feels Like

Is it dark, sad, slow, intense or confusing? The mood of Fast Company (1979) in a few tags, without a word about how it ends. Each tag opens a list of movies that feel the same.

After you watch

Seen Fast Company? Now Read the Spoilers

Once you have watched Fast Company (1979), come back for the full story: the plot summary with spoilers, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning.

Movie threads

More Movies Like Fast Company, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Fast Company tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Gritty competition movies like Fast Company

Rebellious heroes compete in high-pressure worlds where the deck is stacked against them. Find movies like Fast Company, featuring intense rivalries and underdog struggles in high-pressure worlds. These stories share a tense, fast-paced vibe with determined heroes battling against corporate corruption or powerful foes, perfect for fans of action-packed, rebellious sports dramas.

  • competitive
  • gritty
  • tense
  • determined
  • rebellious
  • high-stakes
  • Tone: tense, competitive, gritty
  • Pacing: fast, driven by conflict
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives follow a clear, straightforward path where a skilled but underestimated individual or team confronts a powerful antagonist, often a corrupt corporation or a ruthless rival. The plot is propelled by a series of escalating challenges, acts of sabotage, and dramatic confrontations, building towards a final, decisive showdown where the underdog must overcome the odds.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on intense competition, a gritty and anxious mood, and a fast-paced narrative structure. They create a cohesive experience of high tension and high stakes, appealing to viewers who enjoy stories of rebellion, skillful prowess, and triumphant spirit against adversity.

Fast-paced professional thrillers like Fast Company

Tense investigations and dangerous stakes within a high-pressure professional environment. If you liked the high-speed tension of Fast Company, explore these movies about professionals in dangerous, high-stakes fields. These films feature fast pacing, tense atmospheres, and gritty depictions of careers where competition and investigation lead to life-or-death situations.

  • tense
  • fast-paced
  • gritty
  • anxious
  • dangerous
  • professional
  • Tone: tense, gritty, anxious
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically involves professionals—detectives, reporters, racers, etc.—whose expertise is critical to navigating a dangerous situation. The story unfolds at a breakneck speed, with a straightforward plot that focuses on external threats and immediate challenges. Personal relationships are tested by the pressures of the job, but the core drive is solving the professional crisis at hand.

Why they belong together: This thread unites movies based on their shared high-intensity, fast-paced vibe set within a distinct professional world. The combination of a tense tone, gritty realism, and a focus on skilled individuals operating under extreme pressure creates a specific and compelling viewing experience for fans of action-driven dramas.

If you liked this

Movies Like Fast Company

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Every angle

Fast Company (1979) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Fast Company in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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