7.5
Where can I stream Imitation of Life legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Imitation of Life fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
- Spectacle5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Family, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Imitation of Life is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, growing up, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision 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 Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
THE DARING STORY OF MOTHER LOVE - On the Screen for the First Time!
A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way.
Racial IdentityMother-Daughter RelationshipSocial Class1930s AmericaAmbition and SuccessPassingTragic RomanceStrong Female LeadsDeeper Meaning
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 Imitation of Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Imitation of Life worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 72). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Imitation of Life rated?
Suicide themes
Content advisories: suicide themes.
How long is Imitation of Life?
1 h 51 min
Imitation of Life runs 1 h 51 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Imitation of Life?
Critics80
Audiences73
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Imitation of Life much the same way.
What language is Imitation of Life in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Imitation of Life?
16
+2
+2GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Imitation of Life in 16 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.