Papillon
7.2
Papillon fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
- Spectacle6
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Papillon is tense and thrilling. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
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.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Biographical6Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, 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.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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About
The greatest escape adventure ever told
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Papillon
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Papillon worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 52%, and Metacritic 51). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Papillon rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Papillon?
2 h 14 min
Papillon runs 2 h 14 min.
Is Papillon based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Papillon?
Not quite. Audiences rate Papillon higher (69) than critics (52). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Papillon in?
It was made in English, with some Spanish. Produced in Czechia, Malta, Serbia, Spain, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Papillon?
+53GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Papillon in 67 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Papillon use?
TV Tropes lists 73 storytelling tropes for Papillon, including Penal Colony, Ass Shove, Break the Cutie.