7.5
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The Son
2002·Movie
The Son fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Cringe Humor1
- Satire & Parody1
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Ambiguity7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and sound design
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
LowTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Son is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace0Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle0Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumStandout performances, direction, and characters
The performances, direction, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition1Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality1The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A joinery instructor at a rehab center refuses to take a new teen as his apprentice, but then begins to follow the boy through the hallways and streets.
Intense Character StudyMinimalist DramaPsychological TensionSocial RealismQuietly DevastatingMasterful PerformanceSlow-Burn NarrativeAustere Visual StyleMoral AmbiguityDardenne Brothers Signature
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Son
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Son worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 86). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Son rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is The Son?
1 h 43 min
The Son runs 1 h 43 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Son?
Critics87
Audiences82
Yes. Critics average 87 and audiences 82 out of 100, so both groups see The Son much the same way.
What language is The Son in?
French
It was made in French. Produced in Belgium, France.
In how many countries can I watch The Son?
9
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Son in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.