Brainstorm
Brainstorm fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline7
- Scare7
Heart
Wondrous
- Wonder8
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor3
- Dark Humor3
World
The future, the mind, and technology
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Complexity8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Brainstorm is nerve-racking, thrilling, and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe future, the mind, and technology
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the future, the mind, and technology. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Futuristic9Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Fantasy5Mythic worlds and magical systems.
Craft
HighStandout direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
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.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
The door to the mind is open.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about Brainstorm
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Brainstorm worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 57%, and Metacritic 57). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Brainstorm rated?
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Brainstorm?
1 h 46 min
Brainstorm runs 1 h 46 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Brainstorm?
Yes. Critics average 57 and audiences 63 out of 100, so both groups see Brainstorm much the same way.
Was Brainstorm a box office hit?
No. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $10 million worldwide, 57% of its budget.
What language is Brainstorm in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Brainstorm?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Brainstorm in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Brainstorm use?
TV Tropes lists 61 storytelling tropes for Brainstorm, including Oh, Crap!, Brain–Computer Interface, P.O.V. Cam.

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