6.8
Dead Calm fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline7
- Scare7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos6
- Catharsis6
- Melancholy5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Dead Calm is nerve-racking, thrilling, and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
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 Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
High seas. Deep terror. Try to stay calm.
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Questions about Dead Calm
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dead Calm worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Dead Calm rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Dead Calm?
1 h 36 min
Dead Calm runs 1 h 36 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Dead Calm?
Not quite. Critics rate Dead Calm higher (77) than audiences (67). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Dead Calm a box office hit?
No. It cost about $10 million to make and earned $8 million worldwide, 75% of its budget.
What language is Dead Calm in?
It was made in English. Produced in Australia.
In how many countries can I watch Dead Calm?
+61GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Dead Calm in 75 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Dead Calm use?
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for Dead Calm, including Death of a Child, The Great Repair, Reed Snorkel.