7.1
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The Small Back Room
1949·Movie
The Small Back Room fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline6
- Scare5
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, the mind, and war
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Small Back Room is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare5Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, the mind, and war
Its world is built around history, the mind, and war.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-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
As the Germans drop explosive booby-traps on 1943 Britain, the embittered expert who'll have to disarm them fights a private battle with alcohol.
Post-War Psychological DramaBritish Film NoirBomb DisposalPersonal DemonsTense AtmosphereBleak RealismCharacter Study1940s BritainAlcoholism
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 The Small Back Room
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Small Back Room worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Rotten Tomatoes 92%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Small Back Room rated?
Drug use
Content advisories: drug use.
How long is The Small Back Room?
1 h 46 min
The Small Back Room runs 1 h 46 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Small Back Room?
Critics92
Audiences72
Not quite. Critics rate The Small Back Room higher (92) than audiences (72). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Small Back Room a box office hit?
Budget$240,000
Box office$135,000
No. It cost about $240,000 to make and earned $135,000 worldwide, 56% of its budget.
What language is The Small Back Room in?
EnglishWelshCzechNorwegianFrenchPolish
It was made in English, with some Welsh, Czech, Norwegian, French, Polish. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Small Back Room?
33
+19
+19GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Small Back Room in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.