8.1
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Malice Aforethought fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy7
- Family Dynamics7
- Pathos6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor2
World
The mind, history, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- 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.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumThe mind, history, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, history, and crime. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 not rated | Episode 2 not rated |
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Episode 1 not rated |
| Episode 2 | Episode 2 not rated |
| Episode 3 |
About
Malice Aforethought is a four-part 1979 BBC Two miniseries by Philip Mackie, adapted from Anthony Berkeley Cox's (pen name Francis Iles) 1931 noir novel of the same name.
For ten years, Julia Bickleigh has despised and bullied her husband. For ten years Dr Bickleigh has dreamed of romance ... and escape.
British Crime DramaPsychological ThrillerMarriage Under StrainMurder PlotSlow BurnCharacter StudyDark & IntensePeriod SettingDomestic Noir
Actors
Crew
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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?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 8.1). 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 4 episodes of about 55 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 1979 to 1979 and has ended.
What language is Malice Aforethought in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.