6.7
Where can I stream The Element of Crime legally?
The Element of Crime is included with a subscription to MUBI in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Element of Crime fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence7
- Scare6
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Catharsis4
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Absurdist Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Crime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Complexity8
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Element of Crime 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.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighCrime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, mystery, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
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
Fisher, an ex-detective, decides to take one final case when a mysterious serial killer claims the lives of several young girls. Fisher, unable to find the culprit, turns to Osbourne, a writer who was once respected for his contributions to the field of criminology. Fisher begins to use Osbourne's technique, which involves empathizing with serial killers; however, as the detective becomes increasingly engrossed in this method, things take a disturbing turn.
Noir Crime ThrillerPsychological InvestigationEuropean ArthouseVisually StrikingBleak AtmosphereStylized CinematographyMystery and IntrigueSlow-Burn NarrativeMoral Ambiguity
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 The Element of Crime
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Element of Crime worth watching?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes 83%, and Metacritic 66). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Element of Crime rated?
NRViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Element of Crime?
1 h 44 min
The Element of Crime runs 1 h 44 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Element of Crime?
Critics75
Audiences69
Yes. Critics average 75 and audiences 69 out of 100, so both groups see The Element of Crime much the same way.
What language is The Element of Crime in?
DanishArabicEnglishGerman
It was made in Danish, with some Arabic, English, German. Produced in Denmark.
In how many countries can I watch The Element of Crime?
53
+39
+39GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Element of Crime in 53 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Element of Crime use?
Mad DoctorSilence Is GoldenReal Is BrownWorld of Bad CopsRiddle for the AgesGenre DeconstructionSliding Scale of Idealism Versus CynicismCyberpunkMind ScrewShout-OutPrivate Eye MonologueHe Who Fights Monstersand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for The Element of Crime, including Mad Doctor, Silence Is Golden, Real Is Brown.