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Before the Deluge

1954·Movie
2h 18min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

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

Before the Deluge fingerprint

Strong craft.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Violence5
  • Adrenaline3

Heart

Deeply moving and melancholic

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Pathos9
  • Melancholy8
  • Coming of Age8

Humor

Some satire and sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Satire & Parody6
  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Dark Humor3

World

Everyday modern life, society, and growing up

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters and performances

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography6
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition5

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing

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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

The title of this French "reality" drama, which translates to Before the Deluge, is a play on Louis XVI's famous prognostication, "Apres moi, le deluge." Set in 1950, the film concentrates on five Parisian adolescents. Certain that the next war will herald the apocalypse, the youngster make plans to run off to a desert island and set up a new society. This, however, will require money, which is why the boys decide to pull off a "necessary" robbery. Idealism collapses in the face of cold reality, as the five youths suffer from the consequences of their actions. Avant le Deluge was one of a group of films cowritten by director Andre Cayatte and Charles Spaak which endeavored to explore the touchy social issues of the day: others in the Cayatte-Spaak canon include the euthanasia-themed Justice est Faite and the capital-punishment tract Nous sommes tous des assassins.
French Post-War DramaSocial RealismYouth RebellionMoral CollapseComing-of-Age TragedyCrime & ConsequenceExistential DilemmaPsychological StudyBleak OutlookSocietal Critique

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Before the Deluge

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Before the Deluge legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Before the Deluge in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is Before the Deluge worth watching?

67
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 67/100 (IMDb 6.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Before the Deluge rated?

ViolenceDisturbing imagery

Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.

How long is Before the Deluge?

2 h 18 min

Before the Deluge runs 2 h 18 min.

What language is Before the Deluge in?

French

It was made in French. Produced in France, Italy.

In how many countries can I watch Before the Deluge?

3BEFRJP

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Before the Deluge in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.