West of Memphis
7.8
West of Memphis fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence7
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
West of Memphis is tense and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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About
An examination of a failure of justice in Arkansas
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Questions about West of Memphis
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is West of Memphis worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, and Metacritic 80). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is West of Memphis rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is West of Memphis?
2 h 30 min
West of Memphis runs 2 h 30 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on West of Memphis?
Not quite. Critics rate West of Memphis higher (88) than audiences (79). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is West of Memphis in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States, New Zealand.
In how many countries can I watch West of Memphis?
+53GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for West of Memphis in 67 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.