The Wailing
6.0
The Wailing fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare7
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics7
- Pathos6
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Mystery, the mind, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Ambiguity6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Non-linear Narrative8
- Direction7
Style
Standout cinematography and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality8
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Wailing is tense and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumMystery, the mind, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative8Time-shifts and structure play.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about The Wailing
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Wailing worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Wailing rated?
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Wailing?
1 h 47 min
The Wailing runs 1 h 47 min.
What language is The Wailing in?
It was made in Spanish, with some French, English. Produced in Argentina, France, Spain.
In how many countries can I watch The Wailing?
+27GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Wailing in 41 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Wailing use?
TV Tropes lists 41 storytelling tropes for The Wailing, including Wham Shot, Cruel Twist Ending, Troubling Unchildlike Behavior.