Overview
A woman's journey of self-discovery leads her to love and independence amidst family turmoil.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- wistful
- sincere
- classic movie night
- romantic evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an intelligently directed romantic melodrama elevated by Bette Davis's outstanding performance and the cast's strong portrayals, despite a slow pace and thin script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Charlotte Vale moves from maternal domination and social inhibition toward independence, sophistication, and personal agency.
Charlotte and married architect Jerry Durrance form a deep attachment that cannot become an ordinary domestic partnership.
Charlotte takes responsibility for Tina, whose rejection by her mother echoes Charlotte's own family wounds.
The Warner Bros. production's black-and-white photography frames Charlotte's transformation through elegant, high-contrast classic Hollywood composition.
Films like Now, Voyager, and why
Mildred Pierce
shared classic Hollywood romance, emotional melodrama, and a socially constrained woman seeking independence
The Letter
shared Bette Davis-centered psychological drama, complicated family dynamics, and heightened romantic feeling
Brief Encounter
shared wartime-era romantic melodrama, self-denial, and a love relationship shaped by social duty
The Heiress
shared transformation narrative, restrained forbidden romance, and polished black-and-white studio style
Movie Details
- Director
- Irving Rapper
- Release Date
- 1942-10-22
- Runtime
- 117 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (241)
Cast
- Bette Davis
- Paul Henreid
- Claude Rains
- Gladys Cooper
- Bonita Granville
- John Loder
- Ilka Chase
- Lee Patrick
- Franklin Pangborn
- Katharine Alexander
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Now, Voyager about?
- A repressed Boston heiress discovers independence, love, and a new purpose after breaking free from her domineering mother.
- What is Now, Voyager like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Now, Voyager as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Now, Voyager violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Now, Voyager.
- What did critics think of Now, Voyager?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an intelligently directed romantic melodrama elevated by Bette Davis's outstanding performance and the cast's strong portrayals, despite a slow pace and thin script.
- Which films are like Now, Voyager?
- Films with a similar feel include Mildred Pierce, The Letter, Brief Encounter, and The Heiress.
- How long is Now, Voyager?
- Now, Voyager runs 117 minutes.
- Where can I watch Now, Voyager?
- In United States, Now, Voyager streams on YouTube TV.
