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The Story Teller

1989·Movie
1h 35min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Story Teller fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline6
  • Fast Pace5

Heart

Melancholic

  • Melancholy7
  • Pathos6
  • Catharsis5

Humor

Some sharp wit and dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Dark Humor5
  • Cringe Humor4

World

Everyday modern life, mystery, and crime

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Ambiguity7

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Intrigue9
  • Complexity8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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About

In this mystery/thriller based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, Nico Thomkins (Udo Schenk), a writer, and his wife Helen (Anke Sevenich) are in the habit of playing games with one another. Even while they are breaking up, they are sufficiently in tune with one another to continue this practice. When the writer's wife takes off without leaving a note behind, people begin to suspect that he may have murdered her, and he plays along with this notion to the point of planting clues which would incriminate him. Obviously, no one with a shred of common sense would do such a thing, and these tricks get him into trouble. However, his troubles don't really begin until he starts to search for her in earnest.
Psychological ThrillerMysteryCrimeWriter's GameSuspensefulIntrigueMind GamesPatricia Highsmith AdaptationGerman Cinema

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Story Teller

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Story Teller legally?

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Is The Story Teller worth watching?

74
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 6.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Story Teller rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is The Story Teller?

1 h 35 min

The Story Teller runs 1 h 35 min.

What language is The Story Teller in?

German

It was made in German. Produced in Germany.