The Sweet Hereafter
7.4
The Sweet Hereafter fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline2
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos10
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Satire & Parody2
World
Everyday modern life, society, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Sweet Hereafter is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
HighEveryday modern life, society, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
There is no such thing as the simple truth.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Sweet Hereafter
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Sweet Hereafter worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 98%, and Metacritic 91). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Sweet Hereafter rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Sweet Hereafter?
1 h 52 min
The Sweet Hereafter runs 1 h 52 min.
Is The Sweet Hereafter based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Sweet Hereafter?
Not quite. Critics rate The Sweet Hereafter higher (95) than audiences (80). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Sweet Hereafter a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $8 million worldwide, 1.6 times its budget.
What language is The Sweet Hereafter in?
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
In how many countries can I watch The Sweet Hereafter?
+20GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Sweet Hereafter in 34 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Sweet Hereafter use?
TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for The Sweet Hereafter, including Small Town Boredom, Adults Are Useless, Anachronic Order.