6.0
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The Trial
1993·Movie
·1h 58min·
The Trial fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline3
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis4
Humor
Some absurdist humor and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor7
- Satire & Parody6
- Wit & Wordplay5
World
Mystery, the mind, and society
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Ambiguity9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Complexity9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Trial is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
NoneMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome absurdist humor and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor and satire.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, the mind, and society
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and society. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
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 Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Arrested and Prosecuted. But for what, he does not know.
Joseph K. awakes one morning, to find two strange men in his room, telling him he has been arrested. Joseph is not told what he is charged with, and despite being "arrested," is allowed to remain free and go to work. But despite the strange nature of his arrest, Joseph soon learns that his trial, however odd, is very real, and tries desperately to spare himself from the court's judgement.
KafkaesqueParanoiaPolitical ThrillerPsychological MysterySocial CommentaryExistential DreadAmbiguousIntellectual
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Trial
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Trial worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Trial?
1 h 58 min
The Trial runs 1 h 58 min.
What language is The Trial in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
What tropes does The Trial use?
Riddle for the AgesAmbiguously BiDutch AngleRule of ThreeHitler CamMorton's ForkDowner EndingBizarrchitectureDied in IgnoranceNot His SledDies Differently in AdaptationDramatic Thunderand 31 more
TV Tropes lists 43 storytelling tropes for The Trial, including Riddle for the Ages, Ambiguously Bi, Dutch Angle.