The Human Stain
6.2
The Human Stain fingerprint
Strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and society
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Human Stain is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
NoneMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and society. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
How far would you go to escape the past?
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about The Human Stain
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Human Stain worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 6.2 and Metacritic 88). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Human Stain rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How long is The Human Stain?
1 h 46 min
The Human Stain runs 1 h 46 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Human Stain?
Not quite. Critics rate The Human Stain higher (88) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Human Stain a box office hit?
No. It cost about $30 million to make and earned $25 million worldwide, 83% of its budget.
What language is The Human Stain in?
It was made in English. Produced in France, Germany, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Human Stain?
+29GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Human Stain in 43 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.