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The Swap
2016·Movie
·33min·
The Swap fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some satire and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody7
- Dark Humor5
- Absurdist Humor4
World
Society, class and money, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Complexity8
- Meta Narrative8
- Direction7
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Visual Stylization7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Swap 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.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Emotionally, it's melancholic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome satire and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
World
MediumSociety, class and money, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around society, class and money, and everyday modern life. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative8Stories about storytelling.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
The Swap is the third chapter of the PolEc Trilogy, comprising Wandering Marxwards (1998) and The Three Failures (2006). It features the same character as in the previous episodes, but now reduced to a lost, exhausted soul roaming Shanghai's cityscape from the remotest periphery to the financial district. Another narrative, spoken this one, takes us to September 2008, as gigantic bailouts put the financial system on life support instead of letting it collapse, thus seizing our reality and replacing it with a fiction tailored for the situation. These two streams end up meeting on a Shanghai dancefloor, where unresolved contradictions can finally be performed.
Financial CrisisEconomic CommentaryShanghai CityscapeLost SoulExhaustedMeta-NarrativePolitical CritiqueDancefloor Performance
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Swap
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Swap worth watching?
44
WeakGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 44/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Swap?
0 h 33 min
The Swap runs 0 h 33 min.
What language is The Swap in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, China.
What tropes does The Swap use?
Jerk JockCelestial DeadlineRace LiftCurse Escape ClauseDaddy's Girl"Eureka!" MomentToxic Friend Influence"Freaky Friday" FlipAlpha BitchVoices Are Not MentalMissing MomWith Friends Like These...and 21 more
TV Tropes lists 33 storytelling tropes for The Swap, including Jerk Jock, Celestial Deadline, Race Lift.