6.8
Second Best fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace2
- Violence2
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
Family, everyday modern life, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Second Best is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and the mind
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
A man who dreams of being a father. A boy disillusioned with life. Together they share a compelling story of friendship, trust, and hope.
Actors
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about Second Best
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Second Best worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 6.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Second Best rated?
Content advisories: strong language and disturbing imagery.
How long is Second Best?
1 h 45 min
Second Best runs 1 h 45 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Second Best?
Not quite. Critics rate Second Best higher (100) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Second Best in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Second Best?
+19GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Second Best in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.