The Surface

2015·Movie
1h 19min
59
DecentGoodWatch score

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Surface fingerprint

No humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension4
  • Adrenaline2
  • Fast Pace2

Heart

Nostalgic and melancholic

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Nostalgia9
  • Melancholy8
  • Pathos7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Dark Humor1
  • Situational Comedy0

World

Everyday modern life, the mind, and growing up

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Acting7
  • Non-linear Narrative7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

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

Evan, an orphaned 22-year-old who grew up in the foster care system, buys a vintage 8mm camera in a yard sale from an elderly man, ends up with reels of the man's old home movies, and begins to live vicariously through these home movies.
Independent DramaNostalgic ReflectionSelf-Discovery JourneyFound Footage NarrativeComing-of-AgeMelancholicIntergenerational ConnectionIdentity SearchQuietly Poignant

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about The Surface

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Surface legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Plex and Tubi TV. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Surface worth watching?

59
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 5.7 and Metacritic 40). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How long is The Surface?

1 h 19 min

The Surface runs 1 h 19 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Surface?

Critics40
Audiences57

Not quite. Audiences rate The Surface higher (57) than critics (40). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

What language is The Surface in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Surface?

131ADAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBGBM+117

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Surface in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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