5.6
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The Bad Seed
1985·Movie
·1h 40min·
The Bad Seed fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Scare8
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some dark humor and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Satire & Parody5
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
The mind, family, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Bad Seed is nerve-racking and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor and satire.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumThe mind, family, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, family, and mystery. 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.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingYou scare easily
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About
Evil Kids Have The Sweetest Faces
Rachel is a 9-year-old girl who is perfection itself - unless she's crossed or challenged. Several disturbing recent incidents have led Rachel's mother Christine to suspect that her child is a latent murderess. Upon discovering that she herself is the daughter of a convicted killer, Christine becomes convinced that sweet little Rachel is a "bad seed" - an inherent killer who feels no remorse because she doesn't know any better.
Psychological HorrorEvil ChildMother-Daughter ConflictInherited EvilChilling SuspenseDark Family SecretsMoral AmbiguityMaternal InstinctsUnsettling Atmosphere
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Bad Seed
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Bad Seed worth watching?
64
DecentGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 5.6 and Rotten Tomatoes 63%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Bad Seed rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How long is The Bad Seed?
1 h 40 min
The Bad Seed runs 1 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Bad Seed?
Critics63
Audiences69
Yes. Critics average 63 and audiences 69 out of 100, so both groups see The Bad Seed much the same way.
What language is The Bad Seed in?
English
It was made in English.