8.3
Where can I stream A Separation 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.
A Separation
2011·Movie
·2h 3min·PG-13·
A Separation fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody2
- Dark Humor1
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Ambiguity9
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Character Depth10
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Separation is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighEveryday modern life, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
Ugly truth, sweet lies.
A married couple are faced with a difficult decision - to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease.
Iranian DramaMoral DilemmaFamily ConflictDivorce & CustodySocial RealismEthical ComplexityPsychological DepthCourtroom DramaCultural InsightHumanist Story
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
Media
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Questions about A Separation
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Separation worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes 99%, and Metacritic 95). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Separation rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is A Separation?
2 h 3 min
A Separation runs 2 h 3 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on A Separation?
Critics97
Audiences87
Not quite. Critics rate A Separation higher (97) than audiences (87). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was A Separation a box office hit?
Budget$5 million
Box office$24 million
Yes. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $24 million worldwide, 4.9 times its budget.
What language is A Separation in?
Persian
It was made in Persian. Produced in France, Iran.
In how many countries can I watch A Separation?
45
+31
+31GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Separation in 45 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A Separation use?
Never My FaultBuy Them OffSeamless SceneryFrom Bad to WorseBittersweet EndingNo EndingRewatch BonusPunch a WallFiery RedheadForeshadowingMissing MomThe Plot Reaperand 22 more
TV Tropes lists 34 storytelling tropes for A Separation, including Never My Fault, Buy Them Off, Seamless Scenery.