American Heart fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Violence4
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Ambiguity5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
American Heart is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
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 Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Questions about American Heart
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is American Heart worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 6.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 86%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is American Heart rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is American Heart?
1 h 55 min
American Heart runs 1 h 55 min.
Is American Heart based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on American Heart?
Not quite. Critics rate American Heart higher (86) than audiences (68). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was American Heart a box office hit?
No. It cost about $10 million to make and earned $384,015 worldwide, 4% of its budget.
What language is American Heart in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch American Heart?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for American Heart in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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