City by the Sea fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
- Tension8
- Violence7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Cringe Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and violent
City by the Sea is tense and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
When you're searching for a killer... the last suspect you want to see is your son.
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Questions about City by the Sea
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is City by the Sea worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 52/100 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 49%, and Metacritic 50). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is City by the Sea rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How long is City by the Sea?
1 h 48 min
City by the Sea runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on City by the Sea?
Yes. Critics average 50 and audiences 54 out of 100, so both groups see City by the Sea much the same way.
Was City by the Sea a box office hit?
No. It cost about $40 million to make and earned $22 million worldwide, 56% of its budget.
What language is City by the Sea in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch City by the Sea?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for City by the Sea in 25 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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