Overview
A mother's fierce determination to rise above betrayal and societal scorn unfolds in a gripping tale of resilience.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- melodramatic
- moody
- suspenseful
- classic movie night
- film noir marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a polished, skillfully directed noir melodrama elevated by Joan Crawford's commanding performance, while some find its characterizations and emotional logic overstated.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Mildred builds a restaurant business and repeatedly compromises her independence to satisfy Veda's status-driven demands.
Mildred's restaurants and material success fail to secure acceptance from her socially ambitious daughter.
The police investigation into Monte Beragon's death frames Mildred's account of marriage, business, and family conflict.
Warner Bros. production and Ernest Haller's photography contrast upscale interiors and restaurant success with betrayal and suspicion.
Films like Mildred Pierce, and why
The Postman Always Rings Twice
shared film noir atmosphere, family betrayal, moral ambiguity, and a woman navigating social and financial pressures
Imitation of Life
shared maternal melodrama, class anxiety, ruthless ambition, and emotionally destructive family relationships
Double Indemnity
shared noir investigation framing, compromised characters, infidelity, and fatal domestic conflict
Stella Dallas
shared female-centered melodrama, social aspiration, and a complicated mother-daughter relationship
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Curtiz
- Release Date
- 1945-10-20
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (465)
Cast
- Joan Crawford
- Jack Carson
- Zachary Scott
- Eve Arden
- Ann Blyth
- Bruce Bennett
- Lee Patrick
- Moroni Olsen
- Veda Ann Borg
- Jo Ann Marlowe
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Mildred Pierce about?
- A determined restaurateur's rise cannot protect her from the daughter whose hunger for status turns maternal devotion into a noir tragedy.
- What is Mildred Pierce like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mildred Pierce as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Mildred Pierce violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Mildred Pierce as mild.
- What did critics think of Mildred Pierce?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a polished, skillfully directed noir melodrama elevated by Joan Crawford's commanding performance, while some find its characterizations and emotional logic overstated.
- Which films are like Mildred Pierce?
- Films with a similar feel include The Postman Always Rings Twice, Imitation of Life, Double Indemnity, and Stella Dallas.
- How long is Mildred Pierce?
- Mildred Pierce runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mildred Pierce?
- In United States, Mildred Pierce is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
