Trailer

The Human Stain

2003Movie1 h 46 minR

53
MediocreGoodWatch score

A profoundly sad, moving drama movie about everyday modern life and society, with standout performances and characters.

Good for friends night · thought-provoking · adults

Skip it if you want fast pacing

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Not for laughs, warmth or comfort.

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Story

How far would you go to escape the past?

Coleman Silk is a worldly and admired professor who loses his job after unwittingly making a racial slur. To clear his name, Silk writes a book about the events with his friend and colleague Nathan Zuckerman, who in the process discovers a dark secret Silk has hidden his whole life. All the while, Silk engages in an affair with Faunia Farley, a younger woman whose tormented past threatens to unravel the layers of deception Silk has constructed.

Feels like

  • Psychological Drama
  • Racial Identity
  • Hidden Past
  • Forbidden Romance
  • Social Commentary
  • Academic Setting
  • Melancholic Tone
  • Layered Narrative
  • Character-Driven

Cast

Crew

Directed by
Robert Benton

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

October 29, 2003 · 1 h 46 min · R

Released
October 29, 2003
Runtime
1 h 46 min
Age rating
R
Content
Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language
Genres
Drama, Romance
Original language
English
Made in
France, Germany, United States
Budget
$30 million
Box office
$25 million
Available in
39 countries

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The Human Stain?"

Questions about The Human Stain

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Human Stain?

In the United States, The Human Stain is free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It also streams in 28 other countries.

Is The Human Stain worth watching?

53
MediocreGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 53 (IMDb 6.2, Letterboxd 2.8 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 41%, and Metacritic 57).

Is The Human Stain good for date night?

Partner WatchAdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo Watch

It suits a quiet night in as a couple: romance is 7 of 10, but the viewing guide doesn't list it for date night.

Is The Human Stain plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (9 of 10) and pathos (8 of 10) more than on its plot.

Was The Human Stain a box office flop?

Budget$30 million
Box office$25 million

Yes: it cost about $30 million to make and earned $25 million worldwide, 83% of its budget.