6.9
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The Abyss
1988·Movie
The Abyss fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle4
- Violence4
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor2
- Satire & Parody1
World
History, the mind, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth10
- Acting9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Abyss is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Philosophical10Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighHistory, the mind, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, the mind, and a real life story. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, performances, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical10Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
The Inquisition is in full swing in 16th century Flanders. Wanted for his dissident writings, the alchemist doctor Zeno has been wandering Europe under an assumed name for twenty years. But he remains a non-conformist. He returns to his native Bruges, where he thinks he has been forgotten. In this silent labyrinth where the faces of the past resurface, he rediscovers his identity and thus signs his death warrant.
Historical DramaPhilosophical ExplorationIntellectual JourneyInquisition EraExistential ThemesCharacter StudyBleak AtmospherePeriod PieceQuest for IdentityMoral Dilemmas
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 Abyss
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Abyss worth watching?
61
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 6.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Abyss rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Abyss?
1 h 50 min
The Abyss runs 1 h 50 min.
Is The Abyss based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is The Abyss in?
French
It was made in French. Produced in Belgium, France.
In how many countries can I watch The Abyss?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Abyss in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Abyss use?
What Happened to the Mouse?Back from the DeadLampshade HangingDo Not Call Me "Paul"Relationship-Salvaging DisasterBrick JokeResurrection GambitHand WaveHint DroppingSay My NameThe Big BoardMaking a Splashand 105 more
TV Tropes lists 117 storytelling tropes for The Abyss, including What Happened to the Mouse?, Back from the Dead, Lampshade Hanging.