Conflict is a convincing study of a murderer driven to revealing his crime by psychological trickery. A tight mood is sustained by direction and playing, holding interest in the events despite some obviousness in the eventual outcome of the plot [from a story by Robert Siodmak and Alfred Neumann].

Bogart, married to Rose Hobart, is in love with her younger sister (Alexis Smith). When his wife, aware of misplaced affection, begins to nag, Bogart plots to murder and nearly accomplishes the perfect crime.

Bogart gives a heavy role convincing reading. Smith also lends interest to the sister role, a girl who is attracted by Bogart’s court but holds back due to family loyalty. Sydney Greenstreet is creditably restrained as the psychiatrist and family friend.