6.6
Pulse fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, emotionally cool.
Energy
Terrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Scare9
- Tension8
- Spectacle4
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy10
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics3
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
The mind, technology, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Ambiguity9
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction
- Direction9
- Intrigue8
- Acting7
Style
Standout sound design, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Sound Centrality9
- Cinematography8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
HighTerrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Pulse is terrifying and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
NoneProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy10Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis1Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness0Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
HighThe mind, technology, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, technology, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Futuristic6Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction
The direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout sound design, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the sound design, cinematography, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
Do you want to meet a ghost?
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Pulse
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Pulse worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes 76%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Pulse rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery and suicide themes.
How long is Pulse?
1 h 59 min
Pulse runs 1 h 59 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Pulse?
Yes. Critics average 72 and audiences 65 out of 100, so both groups see Pulse much the same way.
Was Pulse a box office hit?
No. It cost about $25 million to make and earned $318,451 worldwide, 1% of its budget.
What language is Pulse in?
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Pulse?
+2GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Pulse in 16 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Pulse use?
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Pulse, including Eye Scream, Inscrutable Aliens, Trash the Set.