El Norte
7.7
El Norte fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Society, class and money, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
El Norte is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
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.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- 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
MediumSociety, class and money, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, class and money, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
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.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about El Norte
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is El Norte worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is El Norte rated?
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is El Norte?
2 h 21 min
El Norte runs 2 h 21 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on El Norte?
Not quite. Critics rate El Norte higher (96) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is El Norte in?
It was made in Spanish, with some English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch El Norte?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for El Norte in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does El Norte use?
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for El Norte, including An Immigrant's Tale, Match Cut, Contrast Montage.