7.3
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The Lover fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Violence3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and family
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Complexity8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Lover is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
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
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and family
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and family. 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.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
This is a remarkably subtle film–a character study that focuses on Mitya’s attempts to cope with each new startling phase of discovery. At first he mourns for his dead wife, but then he discovers that he didn’t really know her.
Russian CinemaCharacter StudyGrief and LossPsychological DramaIntimate RelationshipsSubtle StorytellingEmotional ExplorationContemplativeMelancholyComplex Narrative
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 Lover
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Lover worth watching?
65
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Lover?
1 h 36 min
The Lover runs 1 h 36 min.
What language is The Lover in?
Russian
It was made in Russian. Produced in Russia.
What tropes does The Lover use?
One True LoveBased on a True StoryYou Must Be ColdDysfunctional FamilyMommy IssuesBlatant LiesNo Name GivenThe Un-FavouriteAren't You Going to Ravish Me?Smoking Hot SexExplicit ContentUnproblematic Prostitutionand 32 more
TV Tropes lists 44 storytelling tropes for The Lover, including One True Love, Based on a True Story, You Must Be Cold.