Sign in

Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents

2015·Movie
1h 27min
69
GoodGoodWatch score

Watch

Set your services

Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace4
  • Spectacle4

Heart

Nostalgic and hopeful

  • Nostalgia8
  • Hopefulness7
  • Pathos6

Humor

Some absurdist humor and sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Absurdist Humor6
  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Satire & Parody5

World

A real life story, mystery, and show business

  • World Immersion7
  • Ambiguity7
  • Novelty7

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Intrigue8
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Standout score

  • Music Composition8
  • Music Centrality8
  • Editing7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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

Theory of Obscurity tells the story of the renegade sound and video collective known as The Residents…a story that spans 40 years and is clouded in mystery. Many details surrounding the group are secret, including the identities of its members. They always perform wearing masks and costumes, which is part of their magic. At its heart, this story is about perseverance and chasing your dream. The Residents never caved to convention. They never compromised. They’ve followed their muse for decades and thousands of fans have hung on for the ride. Along the way they’ve also inspired many people to be weird, take chances and find their own voice.
Avant-Garde MusicCult Band DocumentaryAnonymous ArtistsExperimental MusicArt CollectiveMusic HistoryUnderground CultureWeird & EccentricInspirational

Crew

Directed by:
Written by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents legally?

Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents is included with a subscription to Midnight Pulp in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Pluto TV. 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.

Is Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents worth watching?

69
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 7 and Rotten Tomatoes 75%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How long is Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents?

1 h 27 min

Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents runs 1 h 27 min.

Is Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents?

Critics75
Audiences62

Not quite. Critics rate Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents higher (75) than audiences (62). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Austria, Germany, Netherlands, United States.

In how many countries can I watch Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents?

131ADAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBGBM+117

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.