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Trailer

Keep the Lights On

2012Movie1 h 42 minNR

DramaRomance
74
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb6.4Metacritic797.5Rotten Tomatoes89%62%

A profoundly sad, sensual drama movie about everyday modern life and the mind.

Good for thought-provoking · adults · partner watch

Skip it if you want fast pacing · you're watching with family

Where to watch

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Not for laughs, scares or comfort.

Movies with

Story

In 1997 New York City, filmmaker Erik bonds with closeted lawyer Paul after a one-night fling. As their relationship evolves through dysfunctional patterns, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries while being true to himself.

Feels like

  • Gay Romance Drama
  • Realistic Indie Film
  • Toxic Relationship Dynamics
  • Substance Dependency
  • Emotional Vulnerability
  • Intimate Character Study
  • New York City Setting
  • Bittersweet Melancholy
  • Raw & Unvarnished

Cast

14 of 14

Crew

Directed by
Ira Sachs
Written by
Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias
Produced by
Ira Sachs, Marie Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin
Music by
Arthur Russell

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

July 27, 2012 · 1 h 42 min · NR

Released
July 27, 2012
Runtime
1 h 42 min
Age rating
NR
Content
Nudity, Sexual Content, Drug Use, Strong Language
Genres
Drama, Romance
Original language
English
Also spoken
Danish
Made in
United States
Box office
$243,959
Available in
10 countries

Q&A

4 questions, like "Where can I stream Keep the Lights On?"

Questions about Keep the Lights On

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Keep the Lights On?

JustWatch TV FreePhiloKanopyHooplaFandango at Home FreeMUBIOVIDPlex

In the United States, Keep the Lights On streams on Philo, MUBI, OVID, and Metrograph, and it is free with ads on JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home Free, Plex, Fawesome, Cineverse, Xumo Play, and Tubi TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and MovieMe. It also streams in 3 other countries.

Is Keep the Lights On worth watching?

74
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74 (IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 89%, and Metacritic 79). Critics rate it higher (84 out of 100) than audiences (67).

Is Keep the Lights On good for date night?

Partner WatchAdultsSolo Watch

It suits a quiet night in as a couple: romance is 7 of 10, but the viewing guide doesn't list it for date night.

Is Keep the Lights On plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (8 of 10) and pathos (8 of 10) more than on its plot.