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Under the Volcano

1984·Movie
1h 52min·R
69
GoodGoodWatch score

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Under the Volcano fingerprint

Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Spectacle4
  • Violence4

Heart

Profoundly sad and moving

  • Melancholy9
  • Pathos8
  • Catharsis6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Dark Humor4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

History, the mind, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • World Immersion8
  • Ambiguity8

Craft

Standout performances, characters, and direction

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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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

One cannot live without love.

Against a background of war breaking out in Europe and the Mexican fiesta Day of Death, we are taken through one day in the life of Geoffrey Firmin, a British consul living in alcoholic disrepair and obscurity in a small southern Mexican town in 1939. The consul's self-destructive behaviour, perhaps a metaphor for a menaced civilization, is a source of perplexity and sadness to his nomadic, idealistic half-brother, Hugh, and his ex-wife, Yvonne, who has returned with hopes of healing Geoffrey and their broken marriage.
AlcoholismBritish ConsulMexico 1939Psychological DramaPolitical IntrigueExistential CrisisHistorical SettingSlow Burn

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Under the Volcano

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Under the Volcano legally?

Under the Volcano is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Under the Volcano worth watching?

69
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 74%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Under the Volcano rated?

RStrong languageDrug use

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and drug use.

How long is Under the Volcano?

1 h 52 min

Under the Volcano runs 1 h 52 min.

Is Under the Volcano based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on Under the Volcano?

Critics72
Audiences66

Yes. Critics average 72 and audiences 66 out of 100, so both groups see Under the Volcano much the same way.

What language is Under the Volcano in?

EnglishSpanish

It was made in English, with some Spanish. Produced in United States, Mexico.

In how many countries can I watch Under the Volcano?

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GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Under the Volcano in 27 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.