7.0
Where can I stream Desperate Living legally?
You can rent or buy it from Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Desperate Living fingerprint
Funny, striking style, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace6
- Violence6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Nostalgia5
- Pathos4
- Catharsis4
Humor
Plenty of satire and absurdist humor
- Satire & Parody9
- Absurdist Humor8
- Dark Humor8
World
Society, politics, and class and money
- Novelty8
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Visual Stylization7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Desperate Living is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and absurdist humor
Expect plenty of satire and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody9Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity9Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
MediumSociety, politics, and class and money
Its world is built around society, politics, and class and money.
All world traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers you
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
It isn't very pretty…
After killing her husband, Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda wind up in the crazy town of Mortville, where Queen Carlotta presides over a sleazy collection of misfits.
Cult ClassicBlack ComedySatiricalExploitationGrotesqueCampPolitical SatireBizarreSubversive
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Desperate Living
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Desperate Living worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7 and Rotten Tomatoes 73%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Desperate Living rated?
NC-17ViolenceSexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated NC-17 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Desperate Living?
1 h 31 min
Desperate Living runs 1 h 31 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Desperate Living?
Critics73
Audiences75
Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see Desperate Living much the same way.
What language is Desperate Living in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Desperate Living?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Desperate Living in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Desperate Living use?
Vorpal PillowAdipose RexOutlaw TownGross-Out ShowPlaying DoctorDidn't Think This ThroughGrande DameUnwitting Instigator of DoomScarpia UltimatumBarbie Doll AnatomyTrailers Always SpoilDefrosting Ice Queenand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for Desperate Living, including Vorpal Pillow, Adipose Rex, Outlaw Town.