6.5
Where can I stream Cal legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Cal fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Moving and romantic
- Pathos8
- Romance7
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, society, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Cal is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMoving and romantic
Emotionally, it's moving, romantic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, society, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around history, society, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Cal, a young man on the fringes of the IRA, falls in love with Marcella, a Catholic woman whose husband, a Protestant policeman, was killed one year earlier by the IRA.
Irish TroublesForbidden LovePolitical IntrigueTragic RomanceCharacter-DrivenBleak AtmosphereSocial CommentarySlow Burn
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Cal
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Cal worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 6.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 92%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Cal rated?
RViolenceSexual content
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and sexual content.
How long is Cal?
1 h 42 min
Cal runs 1 h 42 min.
Is Cal based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Cal?
Critics92
Audiences72
Not quite. Critics rate Cal higher (92) than audiences (72). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Cal in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Ireland, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Cal?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Cal in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.