6.0
Where can I stream Native Son legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Native Son
1986·Movie
Native Son fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence7
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Coming of Age7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy0
World
Society, history, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout storytelling and characters
- Narrative Structure8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighNerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Native Son is nerve-racking and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
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.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumSociety, history, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, history, and crime. 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.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout storytelling and characters
The storytelling and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
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.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
The story that shocked the country.
In 1940s Chicago, a young black man takes a job as a chauffeur to a white family, which takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally kills the teenage daughter of the couple and then tries to cover it up.
Social DramaPsychological ThrillerRacial InjusticePeriod PieceGritty RealismTragic NarrativeClass ConflictAmerican Literature AdaptationTense Atmosphere
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Native Son
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Native Son worth watching?
56
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 56/100 (IMDb 6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Native Son rated?
PGViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Native Son?
1 h 51 min
Native Son runs 1 h 51 min.
Is Native Son based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Was Native Son a box office hit?
Budget$2 million
Box office$1 million
No. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $1 million worldwide, 65% of its budget.
What language is Native Son in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Native Son?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Native Son in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.