6.9
Where can I stream The Ref legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Ref fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Fast Pace7
- Tension6
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Hopefulness6
- Pathos4
Humor
Plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
- Situational Comedy8
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Cringe Humor6
World
Everyday modern life, family, and crime
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
- World Immersion6
Craft
Standout dialogue
- Dialogue Quality8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumFast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Ref is fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
Expect plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy8Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and crime
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and crime.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
They might be his hostages but what they're doing to this guy is criminal.
A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.
Christmas ComedyDysfunctional FamilyHostage SituationCat BurglarDarkly HumorousSuburban ChaosHoliday MayhemCynical Humor
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Ref
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ref worth watching?
67
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 67/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 73%, and Metacritic 59). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ref rated?
RStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is The Ref?
1 h 37 min
The Ref runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Ref?
Critics66
Audiences69
Yes. Critics average 66 and audiences 69 out of 100, so both groups see The Ref much the same way.
Was The Ref a box office hit?
Budget$11 million
Box office$11 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $11 million to make and earned $11 million worldwide, 1.0 times its budget.
What language is The Ref in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Ref?
8
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Ref in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Ref use?
Pity the KidnapperEveryone Has StandardsIgnored EnemyAffably EvilShut Up, Hannibal!Brutal HonestyToken Good CopWomen Are WiserCalling The Old Woman OutNostalgia FilterMama BearMomma's Boyand 52 more
TV Tropes lists 64 storytelling tropes for The Ref, including Pity the Kidnapper, Everyone Has Standards, Ignored Enemy.