6.8
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Malice Aforethought fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence5
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics7
- Pathos6
- Nostalgia6
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor7
- Cringe Humor4
World
History, mystery, and crime
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Malice Aforethought is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumHistory, mystery, and crime
Its world is built around history, mystery, and crime.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Falling in love with this Doctor could be bad for your health.
Malice Aforethought is a 2005 ITV drama based on Anthony Berkeley Cox’s 1931 novel of the same name, made by Granada Television. There was an earlier BBC television adaptation of this novel in 1979.
Dr. Edmund Bickleigh is married to a particularly overbearing woman who reminds him at every turn that he is living in her house. But the good doctor has outside interests to help him cope.
British Period DramaPsychological ThrillerMurder MysteryDarkly HumorousClassic AdaptationCharacter-DrivenDomestic IntrigueSlow-Burn SuspenseMoral Ambiguity
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Malice Aforethought
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Malice Aforethought worth watching?
56
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 57/100 (IMDb 6.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Malice Aforethought rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Malice Aforethought have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 2 episodes of about 69 minutes each.
Is Malice Aforethought based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did Malice Aforethought air?
S1
It ran from 2005 to 2005 and has ended.
What language is Malice Aforethought in?
English
It was made in English.