7.7
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The Experiment
2001·Movie
·2h 0min·
The Experiment fingerprint
Relentless energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking and brutally violent
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Violence9
- Adrenaline8
Heart
Cathartic
- Catharsis7
- Pathos6
- Melancholy5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and society
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and brutally violent
Fast from start to finish.
The Experiment is nerve-racking, brutally violent, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and society.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers you
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About
You are invited to participate
20 volunteers agree to take part in a seemingly well-paid experiment advertised by the university. It is supposed to be about aggressive behavior in an artificial prison situation. A journalist senses a story behind the ad and smuggles himself in among the test subjects. They are randomly divided into prisoners and guards. What seems like a game at the beginning soon turns into bloody seriousness.
Psychological ThrillerPrison ExperimentSocial CommentaryTense & DisturbingCharacter-DrivenMoral DilemmaBleak & UnflinchingGritty RealismHigh Stakes
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about The Experiment
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Experiment worth watching?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 72%, and Metacritic 59). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Experiment rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Experiment?
2 h 0 min
The Experiment runs 2 h 0 min.
Is The Experiment based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Experiment?
Critics66
Audiences79
Not quite. Audiences rate The Experiment higher (79) than critics (66). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is The Experiment in?
German
It was made in German. Produced in Germany.
What tropes does The Experiment use?
Artistic License – HistoryStanford Prison ExperimentPipe Pain
TV Tropes lists 3 storytelling tropes for The Experiment, including Artistic License – History, Stanford Prison Experiment, Pipe Pain.