Payback
6.3
Payback fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline4
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Some satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody6
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, society, and politics
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Ambiguity8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth8
- Complexity8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Payback 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.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighEveryday modern life, society, and politics
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and politics. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- 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 Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about Payback
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Payback worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 6.3 and Rotten Tomatoes 73%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Payback?
1 h 22 min
Payback runs 1 h 22 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Payback?
Not quite. Critics rate Payback higher (73) than audiences (60). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Payback in?
It was made in English, with some Albanian, Spanish. Produced in Canada.
In how many countries can I watch Payback?
+77GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Payback in 91 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Payback use?
TV Tropes lists 91 storytelling tropes for Payback, including Going Cold Turkey, Flaw Exploitation, Children Are Innocent.