7.6
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The Spiral Staircase fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Scare8
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Melancholy6
- Catharsis6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Mystery, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue9
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Spiral Staircase is nerve-racking and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowNostalgic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, 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
MediumMystery, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacingYou scare easily
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 the screenplay by Mel Dinelli, this story revolves around Helen Warren, a beautiful mute girl, who becomes the target of a mysterious killer who preys on young handicapped women.
Psychological ThrillerSilent ProtagonistHistorical SettingMysterious KillerSuspenseful AtmosphereVulnerable TargetClaustrophobicClassic Cinema
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Spiral Staircase
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Spiral Staircase worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Spiral Staircase rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Spiral Staircase?
1 h 1 min
The Spiral Staircase runs 1 h 1 min.
Is The Spiral Staircase based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
What language is The Spiral Staircase in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The Spiral Staircase use?
Batman GambitChekhov's GunChiaroscuroCreator CameoCute MuteDumb StruckEmpathic EnvironmentExtremely Short TimespanThe Film of the BookMotive RantThe Social DarwinistSerial Killerand 12 more
TV Tropes lists 24 storytelling tropes for The Spiral Staircase, including Batman Gambit, Chekhov's Gun, Chiaroscuro.