A Scanner Darkly
7.0
A Scanner Darkly fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy6
- Wonder6
- Pathos4
Humor
Some absurdist humor and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor6
- Satire & Parody5
- Dark Humor5
World
The mind, technology, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Novelty9
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout visual style and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
- Visual Stylization9
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Scanner Darkly is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome absurdist humor and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor and satire.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind, technology, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, technology, and the future. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Futuristic8Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout visual style and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the visual style and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Psychedelic9Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about A Scanner Darkly
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Scanner Darkly worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7, Rotten Tomatoes 68%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Scanner Darkly rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: drug use and strong language.
How long is A Scanner Darkly?
1 h 40 min
A Scanner Darkly runs 1 h 40 min.
Is A Scanner Darkly based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on A Scanner Darkly?
Yes. Critics average 71 and audiences 72 out of 100, so both groups see A Scanner Darkly much the same way.
Was A Scanner Darkly a box office hit?
No. It cost about $9 million to make and earned $8 million worldwide, 88% of its budget.
What language is A Scanner Darkly in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch A Scanner Darkly?
+55GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Scanner Darkly in 69 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A Scanner Darkly use?
TV Tropes lists 26 storytelling tropes for A Scanner Darkly, including Cast as a Mask, Deranged Animation, Casting Gag.