7.5
Where can I stream Detective Story legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Detective Story fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Violence6
Heart
Cathartic
- Catharsis7
- Pathos6
- Melancholy5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Detective Story is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and the mind
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
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.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
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 Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-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
The love story of a man whose wife was more woman than angel!
Tells the story of one day in the lives of the various people who populate a police detective squad. An embittered cop, Det. Jim McLeod, leads a precinct of characters in their grim daily battle with the city's lowlife. The characters who pass through the precinct over the course of the day include a young petty embezzler, a pair of burglars, and a naive shoplifter.
Gritty Crime DramaMoral AmbiguityBleak Urban LandscapeCharacter StudyPrecinct LifePolice ProceduralClassic HollywoodSocial Commentary
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Detective Story
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Detective Story worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 71%, and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Detective Story rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is Detective Story?
1 h 43 min
Detective Story runs 1 h 43 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Detective Story?
Critics75
Audiences75
Yes. Critics average 75 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see Detective Story much the same way.
What language is Detective Story in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Detective Story?
31
+17
+17GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Detective Story in 31 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Detective Story use?
Police LineupBack-Alley DoctorPolice BrutalityIt's PersonalTurn in Your Badge"The Reason You Suck" SpeechSuicide by CopThreat BackfireAbortion Fallout DramaPistol-WhippingSlut-ShamingLove Makes You Crazyand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for Detective Story, including Police Lineup, Back-Alley Doctor, Police Brutality.