7.5
A Simple Plan fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
- Violence7
Heart
Moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody2
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Simple Plan is tense, thrilling, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
NoneMoving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Sometimes good people do evil things.
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Questions about A Simple Plan
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Simple Plan worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Simple Plan rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is A Simple Plan?
2 h 1 min
A Simple Plan runs 2 h 1 min.
Is A Simple Plan based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on A Simple Plan?
Not quite. Critics rate A Simple Plan higher (86) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was A Simple Plan a box office hit?
No. It cost about $17 million to make and earned $16 million worldwide, 96% of its budget.
What language is A Simple Plan in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch A Simple Plan?
+15GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Simple Plan in 29 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A Simple Plan use?
TV Tropes lists 55 storytelling tropes for A Simple Plan, including Plethora of Mistakes, He Knows Too Much, Black Comedy.