5.8
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Desperate Lives
1982·Movie
·1h 36min·
Desperate Lives fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Melancholy8
- Coming of Age8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Desperate Lives is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever 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
MediumEveryday modern life, growing up, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- 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 Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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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
Who's killing young kids with drugs and crime?
A brother and sister get caught up in the drug scene in their local high school, with tragic results.
Drug AbuseHigh School DramaTragedyComing-of-AgeSocial IssuesPsychologicalBleakFamily1980sMelancholy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Desperate Lives
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Desperate Lives worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 5.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Desperate Lives rated?
Drug useSuicide themes
Content advisories: drug use and suicide themes.
How long is Desperate Lives?
1 h 36 min
Desperate Lives runs 1 h 36 min.
What language is Desperate Lives in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.