Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- brooding
- sardonic
- paranoid
- classic noir night
- crime film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly recognize a polished, steadily paced film noir powered by forceful performances, while finding its melodramatic plot and motivations uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Helen continues pursuing Sam despite discovering his murderous nature and recognizing the danger surrounding him.
Sam Wild is characterized as a hotheaded, ruthlessly violent man whose jealousy has already produced multiple killings.
Robert Wise's direction and the RKO production frame murder, marriage, money, and status through an elegant classical Hollywood surface.
Sam marries Helen's half-sister for money and status while maintaining his dangerous relationship with Helen.
Films like Born to Kill, and why
Double Indemnity
Shared film noir atmosphere, morally compromised characters, sexual obsession, and criminal violence.
Night and the City
Shared fatalistic noir worldview, dangerous desire, and a psychologically unstable male protagonist.
Nightmare Alley
Shared noir melodrama, predatory ambition, seductive corruption, and polished studio-era visual style.
The Postman Always Rings Twice
Shared romantic crime narrative, destructive obsession, and fatalistic tension between desire and self-preservation.
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Wise
- Release Date
- 1947-04-30
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (94)
Cast
- Claire Trevor
- Lawrence Tierney
- Walter Slezak
- Phillip Terry
- Audrey Long
- Elisha Cook Jr.
- Isabel Jewell
- Esther Howard
- Kathryn Card
- Tony Barrett
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Born to Kill about?
- A ruthless killer and an ambitious divorcée become entangled in a fatal film noir romance where desire eclipses conscience.
- What is Born to Kill like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Born to Kill as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Born to Kill violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Born to Kill as brutal.
- What did critics think of Born to Kill?
- Critics broadly recognize a polished, steadily paced film noir powered by forceful performances, while finding its melodramatic plot and motivations uneven.
- Which films are like Born to Kill?
- Films with a similar feel include Double Indemnity, Night and the City, Nightmare Alley, and The Postman Always Rings Twice.
- How long is Born to Kill?
- Born to Kill runs 92 minutes.
- Where can I watch Born to Kill?
- In United States, Born to Kill is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
