6.9
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Despair fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline4
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy8
- Pathos6
- Catharsis4
Humor
Some dark humor and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody6
World
The mind, history, and crime
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Complexity9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Despair is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind, history, and crime
Its world is built around the mind, history, and crime. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
A hysterical comedy
Berlin, 1930, during the rise of Nazism. Hermann Hermann, a Russian emigrant and chocolate manufacturer, married to the capricious Lydia, loses his temper more and more every day when dealing with his workers and other businessmen; until he meets Felix, a vagrant, who seems to be physically identical to him; a disconcerting fact that leads Hermann Hermann to plot a particular way out of a fake world he actually hates.
Psychological ThrillerDoppelgangerIdentity CrisisWeimar BerlinDark HumorUnreliable NarratorSlow BurnMoral Decay
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 Despair
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Despair worth watching?
67
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 6.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 65%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Despair?
1 h 57 min
Despair runs 1 h 57 min.
Is Despair based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Despair?
Critics65
Audiences73
Not quite. Audiences rate Despair higher (73) than critics (65). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Despair in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Germany.
What tropes does Despair use?
Adaptational DumbassThe DrifterIdentical StrangerHerr Doktor
TV Tropes lists 4 storytelling tropes for Despair, including Adaptational Dumbass, The Drifter, Identical Stranger.