7.1
The Butcher Boy fingerprint
High energy, immersive world.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence7
- Scare5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Absurdist Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Growing up, the mind, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Butcher Boy is tense and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare5Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighGrowing up, the mind, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around growing up, the mind, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical6Period settings and real events.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
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.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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Questions about The Butcher Boy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Butcher Boy worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Butcher Boy rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Butcher Boy?
1 h 50 min
The Butcher Boy runs 1 h 50 min.
Is The Butcher Boy based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
What language is The Butcher Boy in?
It was made in English, with some Irish. Produced in Ireland, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Butcher Boy?
+7GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Butcher Boy in 21 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.