7.1
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Play fingerprint
Strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Melancholy7
- Coming of Age7
- Pathos6
Humor
Plenty of cringe comedy
- Cringe Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
- Acting9
- Direction8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Visual Stylization5
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Play is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle0Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
NoneMelancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowPlenty of cringe comedy
Expect plenty of cringe comedy.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor8Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and crime. 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.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and characters
The performances, direction, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- 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.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality2The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Just a game?
In central Gothenburg, Sweden, a group of boys, aged 12-14, robbed other children on about 40 occasions between 2006 and 2008. The thieves used an elaborate scheme called the 'little brother number' or 'brother trick', involving advanced role-play and gang rhetoric rather than physical violence.
Psychological ThrillerSocial RealismCringe DramaYouth Crime StudyTense & UnsettlingSwedish CinemaManipulative Power DynamicsBleak AtmosphereNon-Violent Coercion
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Play
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Play worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 81%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Play rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Play?
1 h 58 min
Play runs 1 h 58 min.
Is Play based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Play?
Critics81
Audiences63
Not quite. Critics rate Play higher (81) than audiences (63). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Play in?
SwedishEnglishFrench
It was made in Swedish, with some English, French. Produced in Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden.
In how many countries can I watch Play?
18
+4
+4GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Play in 18 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.