7.0
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The Day After
1983·Movie
The Day After fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare7
- Spectacle7
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Society, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Day After is tense, scary, and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumSociety, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, everyday modern life, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
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.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
They told us it would be impossible to make this movie. They told us it would be impossible for you to watch it. We hope nothing is impossible.
In the mid-1980s, the U.S. is poised on the brink of nuclear war. This shadow looms over the residents of a small town in Kansas as they continue their daily lives. Dr. Russell Oakes maintains his busy schedule at the hospital, Denise Dahlberg prepares for her upcoming wedding, and Stephen Klein is deep in his graduate studies. When the unthinkable happens and the bombs come down, the town's residents are thrust into the horrors of nuclear winter.
Post-ApocalypticNuclear WarSocial CommentaryPsychological ImpactBleak OutlookSmall Town AmericaHuman ResilienceThought-Provoking
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 Day After
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Day After worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7 and Rotten Tomatoes 86%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Day After rated?
NRViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Day After?
2 h 7 min
The Day After runs 2 h 7 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Day After?
Critics86
Audiences70
Not quite. Critics rate The Day After higher (86) than audiences (70). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Day After in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Day After?
19
+5
+5GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Day After in 19 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Day After use?
War Comes HomeAnyone Can DiePrinciples ZealotBystander SyndromeRiddle for the AgesNext Sunday A.D.20 Minutes into the FutureThe Radio Dies FirstContinuity SnarlCruel and Unusual DeathApocalypse AnarchyDuring the Warand 68 more
TV Tropes lists 80 storytelling tropes for The Day After, including War Comes Home, Anyone Can Die, Principles Zealot.