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The Imposter

2012·Movie
1h 39min·R
80
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.4Metacritic777.5Rotten Tomatoes95%78%
IMDb7.4Metacritic777.5Rotten Tomatoes95%78%

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The Imposter fingerprint

High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and scary

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension8
  • Scare7
  • Fast Pace7

Heart

Moving

  • Pathos7
  • Melancholy6
  • Catharsis6

Humor

Some dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor5
  • Cringe Humor3
  • Wit & Wordplay2

World

Everyday modern life, mystery, and the mind

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Novelty8
  • Ambiguity7

Craft

Standout storytelling and characters

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Intrigue10
  • Narrative Structure8
  • Character Depth8

Style

Standout editing

  • Editing8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking

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Suspense moviesPsychological movies

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About

There are two sides to every lie.

In 1994, a 13-year-old boy disappeared without a trace from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three-and-a-half years later, he is found alive in a village in southern Spain with a horrifying story of kidnap and torture. His family is overjoyed to bring him home. But all is not quite as it seems.
True Crime DocumentaryIdentity DeceptionPsychological ThrillerMystery & IntrigueUnsettling & UncannyCharacter StudyEuropean SettingBiographical Elements

Crew

Directed by:
Bart Layton
Written by:
Bart Layton
Produced by:
John Battsek, Simon Chinn, Vanessa Tovell
Composed by:
Philippe Barnes, Anne Nikitin

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Imposter

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Imposter legally?

PrimePhiloThe RokuKanopyPluto TVShout! Factory TVFandorPlex

The Imposter is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Philo, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Pluto TV, and Shout! Factory TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Imposter worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Imposter rated?

RDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.

How long is The Imposter?

1 h 39 min

The Imposter runs 1 h 39 min.

Is The Imposter based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Imposter?

Critics86
Audiences76

Not quite. Critics rate The Imposter higher (86) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is The Imposter in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Imposter?

19ATAUBECACHDEDKEEFIFRITLTLULV+5

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Imposter in 19 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Imposter use?

Sole SurvivorArmies Are EvilBald Head of ToughnessLeave No SurvivorsClear My NameSpoiler CoverDressing as the EnemyMaster of DisguiseJust Like Robin HoodCold-Blooded TortureAnti-HeroWig, Dress, Accentand 6 more

TV Tropes lists 18 storytelling tropes for The Imposter, including Sole Survivor, Armies Are Evil, Bald Head of Toughness.