What's Eating Gilbert Grape fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Family, everyday modern life, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting10
- Character Depth10
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Find more like it
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About
Life is a terrible thing to sleep through.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is What's Eating Gilbert Grape worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is What's Eating Gilbert Grape rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
1 h 58 min
What's Eating Gilbert Grape runs 1 h 58 min.
Is What's Eating Gilbert Grape based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 81 out of 100, so both groups see What's Eating Gilbert Grape much the same way.
Was What's Eating Gilbert Grape a box office hit?
No. It cost about $11 million to make and earned $10 million worldwide, 91% of its budget.
What language is What's Eating Gilbert Grape in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for What's Eating Gilbert Grape in 45 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does What's Eating Gilbert Grape use?
TV Tropes lists 51 storytelling tropes for What's Eating Gilbert Grape, including I Want My Beloved to Be Happy, Be Careful What You Wish For, Make It Look Like an Accident.

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