Malena
7.4
Malena fingerprint
Big heart, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Spectacle5
- Violence4
Heart
Deeply moving and romantic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
- Romance8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor1
- Satire & Parody1
World
History, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
- Music Centrality8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Malena is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and romantic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, romantic, and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, growing up, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
MediumStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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About
Too young to be a widow, too beautiful to be alone.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Malena
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Malena worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 54%, and Metacritic 54). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Malena rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, and violence.
How long is Malena?
1 h 48 min
Malena runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Malena?
Not quite. Audiences rate Malena higher (77) than critics (54). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Malena in?
It was made in Italian, with some English, Latin. Produced in Italy, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Malena?
+69GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Malena in 83 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Malena use?
TV Tropes lists 54 storytelling tropes for Malena, including Boyish Shorts, Ms. Fanservice, All of the Other Reindeer.