4.7
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Oliver's Story
1978·Movie
·1h 31min·PG·
Oliver's Story fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Romance7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Family and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Music Composition7
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Oliver's Story is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and romantic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumFamily and the mind
Its world is built around family and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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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
It takes someone very special to help you forget someone very special.
Oliver Barrett IV is emotionally devastated by the death of his wife Jenny, and, while he tries to lose himself in his work as a lawyer, the long hours don't ease his pain, especially when he finds that his leftist views conflict with those of the senior partners at the firm. Eventually, Oliver's inconsolable grief begins to alienate those around him, until he finds new love with Marcie Bonwit, the wealthy and beautiful heiress to the Bonwit Teller fortune. Despite his affection for her, Oliver finds it difficult to leave the memory of Jenny behind, which causes major problems in their relationship.
Romantic DramaGrief and LossRelationship StrugglesMelancholicCharacter-DrivenThought-Provoking1970sClass Conflict
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about Oliver's Story
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Oliver's Story worth watching?
30
BadGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 30/100 (IMDb 4.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 22%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Oliver's Story rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is Oliver's Story?
1 h 31 min
Oliver's Story runs 1 h 31 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Oliver's Story?
Critics22
Audiences34
Not quite. Audiences rate Oliver's Story higher (34) than critics (22). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Oliver's Story in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Oliver's Story?
75
+61
+61GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Oliver's Story in 75 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.