7.6
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Promise
1986·Movie
·1h 50min·
Promise fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Promise is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Bob returns home for his mother’s funeral knowing that he must fulfill a promise made 30 years earlier—to care for his younger brother DJ, who is schizophrenic. When Bob eventually takes over responsibility for his younger brother’s well-being, he embarks upon the most difficult challenge of his life.
Mental HealthFamily DramaBrotherhoodSocial IssuesEmpathyCompassionRelationshipsMelancholy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Promise
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Promise worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Promise?
1 h 50 min
Promise runs 1 h 50 min.
What language is Promise in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Promise?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Promise in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.