5.6
Where can I stream Hold the Dark legally?
Hold the Dark is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Hold the Dark fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Crime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality8
- Editing7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Hold the Dark is nerve-racking, violent, and thrilling. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumCrime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, mystery, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
In the grim Alaskan winter, a naturalist hunts for wolves blamed for killing a local boy, but he soon finds himself swept into a chilling mystery.
Grim ThrillerAlaskan SettingMysteryViolentPsychologicalBleakTenseAtmosphericCharacter-Driven
Actors
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Hold the Dark
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Hold the Dark worth watching?
57
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 58/100 (IMDb 5.6, Rotten Tomatoes 69%, and Metacritic 63). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Hold the Dark rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language
Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is Hold the Dark?
2 h 5 min
Hold the Dark runs 2 h 5 min.
Is Hold the Dark based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Hold the Dark?
Critics66
Audiences47
Not quite. Critics rate Hold the Dark higher (66) than audiences (47). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Hold the Dark in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Switzerland, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Hold the Dark?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Hold the Dark in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Hold the Dark use?
Grim Up NorthMeaningful NameNeglected RezImperial Stormtrooper Marksmanship AcademyDisappeared DadEstablishing Character MomentMeaningful Background EventSavage WolvesUnholy MatrimonyMalevolent Masked MenRetironyShoot the Shaggy Dogand 10 more
TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for Hold the Dark, including Grim Up North, Meaningful Name, Neglected Rez.