6.8
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The Onion Field fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline6
- Violence6
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Onion Field is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
What happened in the onion field is true. But the real crime is what happened after.
An LA police officer is murdered in the onion fields outside of Bakersfield. However, legal loopholes could keep his kidnappers from receiving justice, and his partner is haunted by overwhelming survivor's guilt.
Crime DramaBased on True Events1960s Los AngelesPolice CorruptionPsychological ImpactSurvivor's GuiltIntenseMelancholySlow Burn
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 The Onion Field
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Onion Field worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 57). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Onion Field rated?
RViolence
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Onion Field?
2 h 2 min
The Onion Field runs 2 h 2 min.
Is The Onion Field based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Onion Field?
Critics72
Audiences66
Yes. Critics average 72 and audiences 66 out of 100, so both groups see The Onion Field much the same way.
What language is The Onion Field in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Onion Field?
8
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Onion Field in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.