7.5
Blood Simple fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence8
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy6
- Pathos4
- Romance3
Humor
Plenty of dark humor
- Dark Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor3
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, storytelling, and performances
- Direction10
- Narrative Structure9
- Intrigue9
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Visual Stylization9
- Editing8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Blood Simple is nerve-racking and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
NoneEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony7Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighCrime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, storytelling, and performances
The direction, storytelling, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony7Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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About
Passion led to Adultery. Adultery led to Murder. It all seemed so simple...
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Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about Blood Simple
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Blood Simple worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 84). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Blood Simple rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Blood Simple?
1 h 37 min
Blood Simple runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Blood Simple?
Not quite. Critics rate Blood Simple higher (89) than audiences (80). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Blood Simple a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $4 million worldwide, 2.8 times its budget.
What language is Blood Simple in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Blood Simple?
+21GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Blood Simple in 35 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Blood Simple use?
TV Tropes lists 70 storytelling tropes for Blood Simple, including Pre-Mortem One-Liner, Last-Name Basis, Gallows Humour.