7.3
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A Perfect Spy
1987·Show
A Perfect Spy fingerprint
Masterful craft, immersive world.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline3
- Violence3
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor3
World
History, politics, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth10
- Complexity10
- Acting9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Perfect Spy is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighHistory, politics, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, politics, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
Very highStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity10Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh 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.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The life of British MI6 spy Magnus Pym, from his school days to his mysterious disappearance.
Cold War EspionagePsychological DramaCharacter StudyIntricate PlottingMoral AmbiguitySlow-Burn ThrillerBleak & PensiveBritish IntelligenceFamily Trauma
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about A Perfect Spy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Perfect Spy worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Perfect Spy rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does A Perfect Spy have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 7 episodes of about 53 minutes each.
Is A Perfect Spy based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did A Perfect Spy air?
S1
It ran from 1987 to 1987 and has ended.
What language is A Perfect Spy in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, Australia.
In how many countries can I watch A Perfect Spy?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Perfect Spy in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.