The Human Stain fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Romance7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, society, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and dialogue
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
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.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and romantic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and dialogue
The performances, characters, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas 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.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
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?
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Questions about The Human Stain
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Human Stain worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54/100 (IMDb 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes 41%, and Metacritic 57). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Human Stain rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: nudity, 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. Audiences rate The Human Stain higher (58) than critics (49). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
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?
GoodWatch 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.

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