6.5
Where can I stream Upstream Color legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Upstream Color
2013·Movie
Upstream Color fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Wonder7
Humor
Some absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
World
Mystery, the mind, and faith and meaning
- Ambiguity9
- Novelty8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Upstream Color is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, the mind, and faith and meaning
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and faith and meaning. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Tech & Humanity6Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Psychedelic5Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
You can force your story's shape, but the color will always bloom upstream.
A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the lifecycle of an ageless organism. Identity becomes an illusion as they struggle to assemble the loose fragments of wrecked lives.
Existential MysteryPsychological DramaSurreal NarrativePhilosophical ThemesSlow BurnIntriguing & AmbiguousCharacter-DrivenIndependent Film
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 Upstream Color
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Upstream Color worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Upstream Color rated?
NR
It's rated NR in the United States.
How long is Upstream Color?
1 h 36 min
Upstream Color runs 1 h 36 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Upstream Color?
Critics84
Audiences67
Not quite. Critics rate Upstream Color higher (84) than audiences (67). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Upstream Color a box office hit?
Budget$100,000
Box office$444,098
Yes. It cost about $100,000 to make and earned $444,098 worldwide, 4.4 times its budget.
What language is Upstream Color in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Upstream Color?
50
+36
+36GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Upstream Color in 50 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Upstream Color use?
Mind-Control DeviceCut Lex Luthor a CheckMind-Control MusicDoes This Remind You of Anything?Everything Is an InstrumentSynchronizationCardboard Box of UnemploymentSilence Is GoldenYou Can See Me?MinimalismMindlink MatesImagine Spottingand 28 more
TV Tropes lists 40 storytelling tropes for Upstream Color, including Mind-Control Device, Cut Lex Luthor a Check, Mind-Control Music.