7.1
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This Life
2015·Show
This Life fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Family, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and dialogue
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
This Life is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and dialogue
The performances, characters, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 4 not rated | Episode 6 not rated | Episode 7 not rated | Episode 8 not rated | Episode 9 not rated |
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| Episode 1 | ||
| Episode 2 | ||
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| Episode 4 | Episode 4 not rated | |
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| Episode 6 | Episode 6 not rated | |
| Episode 7 | Episode 7 not rated | |
| Episode 8 | Episode 8 not rated | |
| Episode 9 | Episode 9 not rated | |
| Episode 10 |
About
Set in contemporary Montreal, “This Life” is a family saga focusing on Natalie Lawson, an accomplished columnist and single mother in her early forties whose terminal cancer diagnosis sends her on a quest to prepare her teenage children for life without her. Her tight-knit family – sister, two brothers and parents – do the best they can to help her, while coping with their own responses to this revelation.
Family DramaEmotional JourneyTerminal IllnessCharacter StudyCoping & GriefContemporary RealismHuman ResilienceComing-of-AgeIntergenerational Bonds
Actors
Crew
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about This Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is This Life worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is This Life rated?
Suicide themes
Content advisories: suicide themes.
How many seasons does This Life have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 20 episodes of about 43 minutes each and is still in production.
When did This Life air?
S1S2
It started in 2015 and is still in production.
What language is This Life in?
English
It was made in English.