Straw Dogs fingerprint
Relentless energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Brutally violent and nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence10
- Tension9
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos5
- Melancholy4
- Family Dynamics4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and crime
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Novelty5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
Energy
Very highBrutally violent and nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Straw Dogs is brutally violent, nerve-racking, and thrilling. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence10Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and crime
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and crime.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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About
Everyone has a breaking point.
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Questions about Straw Dogs
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Straw Dogs worth watching?
Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 48/100 (IMDb 5.9, Rotten Tomatoes 42%, and Metacritic 45). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Straw Dogs rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, and strong language.
How long is Straw Dogs?
1 h 50 min
Straw Dogs runs 1 h 50 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Straw Dogs?
Yes. Critics average 44 and audiences 51 out of 100, so both groups see Straw Dogs much the same way.
Was Straw Dogs a box office hit?
No. It cost about $25 million to make and earned $10 million worldwide, 41% of its budget.
What language is Straw Dogs in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Straw Dogs?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Straw Dogs in 93 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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