6.1
Shirley fingerprint
High energy, strong craft.
Energy
Tense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare7
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy7
- Family Dynamics7
- Pathos6
Humor
Some dark humor and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Absurdist Humor4
World
A real life story, the mind, and mystery
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Visual Stylization7
Energy
HighTense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Shirley is tense and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMelancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumA real life story, the mind, and mystery
Its world is built around a real life story, the mind, and mystery. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Shirley
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Shirley worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 76). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Shirley rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery and strong language.
How long is Shirley?
1 h 47 min
Shirley runs 1 h 47 min.
Is Shirley based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Shirley?
Not quite. Critics rate Shirley higher (82) than audiences (59). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Shirley in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Shirley?
+25GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Shirley in 39 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Shirley use?
TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for Shirley, including Actor IS the Title Character, Ambiguously Gay, Deliberate Values Dissonance.