Murder in the First fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Fast Pace6
- Violence6
Heart
Moving and cathartic
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, crime, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving and cathartic
Emotionally, it's moving and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
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.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and the mind
Its world is built around history, crime, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
The trial that brought down Alcatraz.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Murder in the First
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Murder in the First worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 7.3 and Rotten Tomatoes 56%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Murder in the First rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Murder in the First?
2 h 2 min
Murder in the First runs 2 h 2 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Murder in the First?
Not quite. Audiences rate Murder in the First higher (76) than critics (56). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Murder in the First a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $20 million to make and earned $30 million worldwide, 1.5 times its budget.
What language is Murder in the First in?
It was made in English. Produced in France, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Murder in the First?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Murder in the First in 25 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Murder in the First use?
TV Tropes lists 21 storytelling tropes for Murder in the First, including Maximum Fun Chamber, Cut His Heart Out with a Spoon, The Loins Sleep Tonight.

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