The Singing Detective
5.4
The Singing Detective fingerprint
High energy, funny, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
- Tension7
- Violence7
- Fast Pace6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Plenty of dark humor and absurdist humor
- Dark Humor8
- Absurdist Humor7
- Satire & Parody6
World
The mind, crime, and mystery
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
Style
Standout visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Visual Stylization8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and violent
The Singing Detective is tense and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of dark humor and absurdist humor
Expect plenty of dark humor and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighThe mind, crime, and mystery
Its world is built around the mind, crime, and mystery. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Meta Narrative5Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
When it comes to murder, seduction and betrayal, he wrote the book. Now he's living it.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Singing Detective
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Singing Detective worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 5.4 and Metacritic 75). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Singing Detective rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How long is The Singing Detective?
1 h 49 min
The Singing Detective runs 1 h 49 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Singing Detective?
Not quite. Critics rate The Singing Detective higher (75) than audiences (58). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Singing Detective a box office hit?
No. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $435,625 worldwide, 5% of its budget.
What language is The Singing Detective in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Singing Detective?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Singing Detective in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Singing Detective use?
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for The Singing Detective, including Sadist Teacher, Arc Words, Bond One-Liner.