7.4
Where can I stream The American Friend legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The American Friend fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline6
- Violence5
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Catharsis4
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor2
World
Crime, the mind, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The American Friend is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
MediumCrime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around crime, the mind, and everyday modern life. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
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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
Tom Ripley, an American who deals in forged art, is slighted at an auction in Hamburg by picture framer Jonathan Zimmerman. When Ripley is asked by gangster Raoul Minot to kill a rival, he suggests Zimmerman, and the two, exploiting Zimmerman's terminal illness, coerce him into being a hitman.
Neo-Noir ThrillerExistential CrisisMoral AmbiguityPsychological DepthEuropean Crime CinemaAtmospheric CinematographySlow-Burn SuspenseGuilt and RedemptionComplex Characters
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 The American Friend
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The American Friend worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The American Friend rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The American Friend?
2 h 5 min
The American Friend runs 2 h 5 min.
Is The American Friend based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The American Friend?
Critics84
Audiences74
Not quite. Critics rate The American Friend higher (84) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The American Friend in?
GermanEnglishFrench
It was made in German, with some English, French. Produced in France, Germany, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The American Friend?
21
+7
+7GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The American Friend in 21 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The American Friend use?
Adaptational NationalityAdaptational Location ChangeHollywood SilencerScare QuotesSudden Downer EndingArt Imitates ArtAdapted OutEiffel Tower EffectCredits GagAffably EvilSilence Is GoldenFilm Noirand 17 more
TV Tropes lists 29 storytelling tropes for The American Friend, including Adaptational Nationality, Adaptational Location Change, Hollywood Silencer.