7.1
Where can I stream The Friend legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Friend in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
The Friend
2008·Movie
·1h 26min·
The Friend fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Romance8
- Pathos8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, family, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Friend is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighRomantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's romantic, moving, and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and show business. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh 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.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
In reality Emil and Larissa would never have been a couple she is an idolized singer, he is a shy outsider. Ironically, Emil is just getting to know Larissa when she dies unexpectedly. He pretends to have been her boyfriend and finally gets the recognition he has always yearned for, with the added bonus of a surrogate family in the form of Larissas. Things would be just great if Emil didnt fall in love - with Larissas sister Nora. The more he gets to know her, the harder it becomes for him to pretend.
RomanceGriefFamily DynamicsShowbizContemporary RealismIdentityRedemptionSlow Burn
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Friend
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Friend worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 88). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Friend?
1 h 26 min
The Friend runs 1 h 26 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Friend?
Critics88
Audiences71
Not quite. Critics rate The Friend higher (88) than audiences (71). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Friend in?
GermanFrench
It was made in German, with some French. Produced in Switzerland.