6.8
Where can I stream Dreams of a Life legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Dreams of a Life
2011·Movie
Dreams of a Life fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
- Catharsis7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, mystery, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Dreams of a Life 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.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, mystery, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, mystery, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, 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.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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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
Would anyone miss you?
A filmmaker sets out to discover the life of Joyce Vincent, who died in her bedsit in North London in 2003. Her body wasn't discovered for three years, and newspaper reports offered few details of her life - not even a photograph.
MysterySocial IsolationCharacter StudyMelancholyIntriguingDocumentaryLondonBleakHaunting
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Dreams of a Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dreams of a Life worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 77%, and Metacritic 62). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Dreams of a Life?
1 h 35 min
Dreams of a Life runs 1 h 35 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Dreams of a Life?
Critics70
Audiences69
Yes. Critics average 70 and audiences 69 out of 100, so both groups see Dreams of a Life much the same way.
What language is Dreams of a Life in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, Ireland.
In how many countries can I watch Dreams of a Life?
7
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Dreams of a Life in 7 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Dreams of a Life use?
The Shut-InDying AloneExhausted Eye BagsPromotion to ParentDowner EndingRiddle for the AgesMissing MomSurprisingly Sudden DeathBook on the HeadNothing Is ScarierSnowy Screen of DeathDomestic Abuseand 7 more
TV Tropes lists 19 storytelling tropes for Dreams of a Life, including The Shut-In, Dying Alone, Exhausted Eye Bags.