7.1
The Big Chill fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace4
- Tension3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia10
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Some sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Situational Comedy6
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
The Big Chill is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighNostalgic and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, profoundly sad, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Find more like it
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About
The story of eight old friends searching for something they lost, and finding that all they needed was each other.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Big Chill
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Big Chill worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 70%, and Metacritic 61). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Big Chill rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and sexual content.
How long is The Big Chill?
1 h 45 min
The Big Chill runs 1 h 45 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Big Chill?
Yes. Critics average 66 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see The Big Chill much the same way.
Was The Big Chill a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $56 million worldwide, 7.0 times its budget.
What language is The Big Chill in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Big Chill?
+51GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Big Chill in 65 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Big Chill use?
TV Tropes lists 63 storytelling tropes for The Big Chill, including No Seatbelts, Stealth Pun, Good Adultery, Bad Adultery.