GoodWatchSign up

The Elementary Particles

2006·Movie
1h 45min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Elementary Particles fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Violence5
  • Fast Pace4

Heart

Profoundly sad and moving

Much of it is about family.

  • Melancholy9
  • Pathos8
  • Family Dynamics7

Humor

Some dark humor and cringe comedy

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor7
  • Cringe Humor6
  • Wit & Wordplay5

World

Everyday modern life, the mind, and society

  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters and performances

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Complexity8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7
  • Visual Stylization7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingYou want to half-watch while scrollingYou're watching with family

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Based on Michel Houellebecq's controversial novel, Atomised (aka The Elementary Particles) focuses on Michael and Bruno, two very different half-brothers and their disturbed sexuality. After a chaotic childhood with a hippie mother only caring for her affairs, Michael, a molecular biologist, is more interested in genes than women, while Bruno is obsessed with his sexual desires, but mostly finds his satisfaction with prostitutes. But Bruno's life changes when he gets to know the experienced Christiane. In the meantime, Michael meets Annabelle, the love of his youth, again.
Psychological DramaSexual ObsessionExistential CrisisMelancholyCharacter-DrivenEuropean CinemaThought-ProvokingCynicalBrooding

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Elementary Particles

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Elementary Particles legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Elementary Particles in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Elementary Particles worth watching?

81
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 6.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Elementary Particles rated?

NuditySexual contentStrong languageDrug use

Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, strong language, and drug use.

How long is The Elementary Particles?

1 h 45 min

The Elementary Particles runs 1 h 45 min.

Is The Elementary Particles based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Elementary Particles?

Critics100
Audiences65

Not quite. Critics rate The Elementary Particles higher (100) than audiences (65). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is The Elementary Particles in?

GermanEnglish

It was made in German, with some English. Produced in Germany.

In how many countries can I watch The Elementary Particles?

8ATBECHDEFRLUNLSE

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Elementary Particles in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.