7.5
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House of Sand and Fog
2003·Movie
House of Sand and Fog fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
House of Sand and Fog is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- 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
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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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
Some dreams can't be shared.
Behrani, an Iranian immigrant buys a California bungalow, thinking he can fix it up, sell it again, and make enough money to send his son to college. However, the house is the legal property of former drug addict Kathy. After losing the house in an unfair legal dispute with the county, she is left with nowhere to go. Wanting her house back, she hires a lawyer and befriends a police officer. Neither Kathy nor Behrani have broken the law, so they find themselves involved in a difficult moral dilemma.
Tragic Real Estate DisputeImmigration & Cultural ClashPsychological DramaMoral DilemmaSlow-Burn TensionDesperate MeasuresClass ConflictEmotional PerformancesBleak & Unsettling
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about House of Sand and Fog
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is House of Sand and Fog worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 74%, and Metacritic 71). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is House of Sand and Fog rated?
RStrong languageSuicide themes
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and suicide themes.
How long is House of Sand and Fog?
2 h 6 min
House of Sand and Fog runs 2 h 6 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on House of Sand and Fog?
Critics73
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see House of Sand and Fog much the same way.
Was House of Sand and Fog a box office hit?
Budget$17 million
Box office$17 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $17 million to make and earned $17 million worldwide, 1.0 times its budget.
What language is House of Sand and Fog in?
EnglishItalianPersian
It was made in English, with some Italian, Persian. Produced in United States, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch House of Sand and Fog?
22
+8
+8GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for House of Sand and Fog in 22 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does House of Sand and Fog use?
Adaptation DistillationAgony of the FeetArtistic License – LawBoth Sides Have a PointDressing to DieDowner EndingDead SparksSuicide PactLighter and Softer"Could Have Avoided This!" PlotDiabolus ex MachinaShoot the Shaggy Dogand 7 more
TV Tropes lists 19 storytelling tropes for House of Sand and Fog, including Adaptation Distillation, Agony of the Feet, Artistic License – Law.