Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- awkward
- melancholic
- date night
- indie film night
What critics said
Critics found the film’s unusual premise and later romantic energy engaging, but viewed its mixture of psychological drama and broad comedy as tonally uneven and repetitive.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Hudson Milbank loses access to emotional feelings and pursues doctors, therapy, medication, and distractions in an attempt to recover.
Hudson’s search for feeling becomes intertwined with his meeting Sara and developing motivation to improve.
The critical reception specifically identifies the film’s alternation between psychological angst and broad comic gags.
Hudson is a successful Hollywood screenwriter whose emotional condition affects his daily life and creative world.
Films like Numb, and why
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
shares an offbeat romantic premise, emotionally blocked protagonist, and balance of comedy with relationship drama
The Science of Sleep
shares unconventional romance, emotional disconnection, and melancholic humor
The Baxter
shares a neurotic protagonist, relationship-centered comedy, and awkward emotional self-discovery
Movie Details
- Director
- Harris Goldberg
- Release Date
- 2007-04-30
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (122)
Cast
- Matthew Perry
- Lynn Collins
- Kevin Pollak
- Bob Gunton
- Helen Shaver
- William B. Davis
- Mary Steenburgen
- Ben Immanuel
- Noah Dalton Danby
- Monique Ganderton
Common questions
- What is Numb about?
- A detached Hollywood screenwriter pursues an unconventional romance as the only plausible path back to feeling.
- What is Numb like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Numb as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Numb violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Numb.
- What did critics think of Numb?
- Critics found the film’s unusual premise and later romantic energy engaging, but viewed its mixture of psychological drama and broad comedy as tonally uneven and repetitive.
- Which films are like Numb?
- Films with a similar feel include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep, and The Baxter.
- How long is Numb?
- Numb runs 93 minutes.
