5.5
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The Returning
1990·Movie
·1h 38min·
The Returning fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare6
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Melancholic and romantic
- Melancholy8
- Romance7
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor2
World
The mind, faith and meaning, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Returning is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic and romantic
Emotionally, it's melancholic, romantic, and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumThe mind, faith and meaning, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, faith and meaning, and fantasy. 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.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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You want fast pacingYou're watching with family
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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
An obsessive ghost love story
A successful city lawyer abandons his practice and heads out to the country. There he comes upon a stately, but neglected, homestead. He moves in, and during his first night a beautiful ghostly woman makes love to him, in his sleep. Soon his dreams become more engrossing than his everyday world and girlfriend. Gradually he unravels the tragedy of his spirit lovers' past. To respond to her call, he needs to embrace the hearafter.
Ghost RomanceSupernatural MysteryPsychological DramaMelancholic AtmosphereErotic & HauntingTragic Love StoryRural SettingSlow Burn NarrativeIntrospective Exploration
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Returning
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Returning worth watching?
58
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 5.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Returning rated?
Sexual content
Content advisories: sexual content.
How long is The Returning?
1 h 38 min
The Returning runs 1 h 38 min.
What language is The Returning in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in New Zealand.