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The Trial

1993·Movie
1h 58min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

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

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

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

Crew

Directed by:
Composed by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Trial

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Trial legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Trial in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Trial worth watching?

59
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions 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.