4.7
Where can I stream The Cool Surface legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Cool Surface in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
The Cool Surface fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
- Romance6
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor5
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, mystery, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Cool Surface is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, mystery, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, mystery, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Showbiz6Entertainment industry and performance.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing 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 Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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
One touch is all it takes.
A writer returns to Hollywood after finishing his novel in the wilderness. Still smarting from his girlfriend's suicide and his publisher's criticisms of his novel, he becomes intrigued by the neighbor couple's abusive relationship.
Hollywood NoirPsychological ThrillerSuicideAbusive RelationshipWriter's CrisisMysteryMelancholyIntrigueDark
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Titles like The Cool Surface
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: The Cool Surface
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with The Cool Surface
The Cool Surface1994
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:Exotica (1994)Chance (2016)Live Flesh (1997)Rush (1991)Talaash (2012)The Gingerbread Man (1998)Eden (2013)The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976)What You Wish For (2024)Mask Girl (2023)Tom at the Farm (2014)The Hidden Face (2011)Panic (2000)The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990)The Salesman (2016)Big Bad Wolves (2013)Mirror Game (2016)Wilderness (2023)Hard Candy (2006)Freddy (2022)The Flight Attendant (2020)Swimming Pool (2003)Master Gardener (2023)Ray (2021)The Cooler (2003)The American Friend (1977)River (2015)Carancho (2010)On Board (1998)With a Friend Like Harry... (2000)Stuck (2007)The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)He Was a Quiet Man (2007)Matador (1986)Another Love (2023)Little Fish (2005)Dark Desire (2020)Rampart (2011)Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)The Unknown Woman (2006)Queen & Slim (2019)Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story (2020)The Translators (2019)Revanche (2008)Deception (2018)Haseen Dillruba (2021)Law of Desire (1987)Black Coal, Thin Ice (2014)What Doesn't Kill You (2008)Hightown (2020)Hardcore (1979)He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not (2002)Read My Lips (2001)Heaven (2002)Swimming with Sharks (1994)Time (2006)The Patient (2022)Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)The Beast in Me (2025)Criminal Justice (2019)TransSiberian (2008)Ripley's Game (2002)Dept. Q (2025)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Cool Surface
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Cool Surface worth watching?
32
BadGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 33/100 (IMDb 4.7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Cool Surface rated?
RSexual contentStrong languageViolenceSuicide themes
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, strong language, violence, and suicide themes.
How long is The Cool Surface?
1 h 28 min
The Cool Surface runs 1 h 28 min.
What language is The Cool Surface in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.