Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- oppressive
- paranoid
- bleak
- late night arthouse viewing
- serious film discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly found Claire Denis's unsettling crime drama psychologically rich and atmospherically controlled, though deliberately opaque and severe.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Marco's investigation is repeatedly complicated by Sandra's concealed actions and the family's obscured history.
Marco relocates to Laporte's building to retaliate for the collapse of his sister's family and business.
Businessman Edouard Laporte remains at the center of accusations while his privilege and influence obscure responsibility.
The film's Parisian interiors and shadowed encounters visually reinforce uncertainty about culpability and motive.
Films like Bastards, and why
The Intruder
shared neo-noir atmosphere, morally compromised characters, and a revenge-driven crime narrative
The Night of the 12th
shared bleak family secrets, corrosive class power, and psychologically opaque crime drama
The Piano Teacher
shared european art-house crime sensibility, fractured morality, and oppressive emotional tension
Movie Details
- Director
- Claire Denis
- Release Date
- 2013-08-07
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 5.7 / 10 (108)
Cast
- Vincent Lindon
- Chiara Mastroianni
- Julie Bataille
- Michel Subor
- Lola Créton
- Alex Descas
- Grégoire Colin
- Florence Loiret Caille
- Jeanne Disson
- Christophe Miossec
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Bastards about?
- A returning sea captain infiltrates a powerful man's Parisian household to avenge his family's ruin, only to find revenge tangled in darker secrets.
- What is Bastards like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Bastards as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Bastards violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Bastards as moderate.
- What did critics think of Bastards?
- Critics broadly found Claire Denis's unsettling crime drama psychologically rich and atmospherically controlled, though deliberately opaque and severe.
- Which films are like Bastards?
- Films with a similar feel include The Intruder, The Night of the 12th, and The Piano Teacher.
- How long is Bastards?
- Bastards runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Bastards?
- In United States, Bastards streams on Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now.
