5.1
Where can I stream Better Things legally?
Better Things is included with a subscription to AMC+ in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Better Things
2008·Movie
Better Things fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Violence2
- Scare1
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Better Things 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.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline0High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
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About
Gail's agoraphobia keeps her inside where she escapes into romance novels. She shares a house with her Nan, recently back from the hospital. Gradually, they both try to reach out to each other to break their isolation. Rob plunges further into his addiction as a way of numbing his heartbreak over the death of his girlfriend. In his stupor, he dreams of embracing her again. Mr & Mrs Gladwin are going through a shift in their 60 year relationship. Years of resentment and unspoken truths have built a barrier between them that Mrs Gladwin, in her abiding love, tries to erode in little gestures.
Bleak Domestic RealismIntimate Character StudyExploration of IsolationAging and MortalityQuiet Emotional DramaBritish Indie CinemaPsychological FragilitySubtle PerformancesMelancholic Atmosphere
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Better Things
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Better Things worth watching?
66
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 67/100 (IMDb 5.1 and Rotten Tomatoes 89%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Better Things rated?
NuditySexual contentStrong languageDrug useDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, strong language, drug use, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Better Things?
1 h 33 min
Better Things runs 1 h 33 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Better Things?
Critics89
Audiences42
Not quite. Critics rate Better Things higher (89) than audiences (42). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Better Things in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Better Things?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Better Things in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.