7.4
Where can I stream Notes on a Scandal legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Notes on a Scandal fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Notes on a Scandal is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighThe mind, everyday modern life, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
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.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
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.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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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
One woman's mistake is another's opportunity.
A veteran high school teacher befriends a younger art teacher, who is having an affair with one of her 15-year-old students. However, her intentions with this new "friend" also go well beyond platonic friendship.
Psychological ThrillerForbidden AffairCharacter StudyComplex RelationshipsSecrets and ObsessionMoral AmbiguityIntense DramaTwisted FriendshipUnreliable Narrator
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Notes on a Scandal
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Notes on a Scandal worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Notes on a Scandal rated?
RSexual contentStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How long is Notes on a Scandal?
1 h 32 min
Notes on a Scandal runs 1 h 32 min.
Is Notes on a Scandal based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Notes on a Scandal?
Critics80
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see Notes on a Scandal much the same way.
Was Notes on a Scandal a box office hit?
Budget$15 million
Box office$50 million
Yes. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $50 million worldwide, 3.3 times its budget.
What language is Notes on a Scandal in?
EnglishFrench
It was made in English, with some French. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Notes on a Scandal?
77
+63
+63GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Notes on a Scandal in 77 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Notes on a Scandal use?
Psycho LesbianMeaningful EchoSmall Name, Big EgoSesquipedalian LoquaciousnessJailbait TabooBookendsStalker with a CrushButt-MonkeyPsychopathic ManchildIn Medias ResPsychotic SmirkIt's All About Meand 72 more
TV Tropes lists 84 storytelling tropes for Notes on a Scandal, including Psycho Lesbian, Meaningful Echo, Small Name, Big Ego.