Overview
A tough neighbor becomes an unexpected protector in a world of crime and danger.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- nervous
- tough
- tender
- classic crime movie night
- character driven thriller night
What critics said
Critics broadly praise John Cassavetes's observant direction and Gena Rowlands's galvanizing performance while finding the pulpy script comparatively slight.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Gloria independently confronts organized crime and takes responsibility for Phil despite her reluctance to become his guardian.
The book given to Phil by his murdered father is the reason gangsters pursue the pair across New York.
Gloria becomes Phil's protector after his family is killed, and their flight develops into a surrogate family relationship.
The mob pursuit is repeatedly balanced by Gloria and Phil's prickly, affectionate dynamic and the film's tough, sweet, goofy register.
Films like Gloria, and why
The Professional
urban crime thriller centered on a reluctant protector and a child, combining pulpy suspense with emotional warmth
The Long Kiss Goodnight
crime drama about a dangerous woman protecting a vulnerable child amid organized violence
Widows
stylized urban thriller driven by an intense female lead, nervy action, and a protective surrogate relationship
Mikey and Nicky
character-driven gangster thriller balancing toughness, tenderness, and darkly comic tension
Movie Details
- Director
- John Cassavetes
- Release Date
- 1980-10-01
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (278)
Cast
- Gena Rowlands
- Buck Henry
- Julie Carmen
- John Adames
- Tony Knesich
- Gregory Cleghorne
- Lupe Garnica
- Jessica Castillo
- Tom Noonan
- Ronald Maccone
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 Gloria about?
- A tough New York woman becomes the fiercely protective guardian of a mob-targeted boy in a nervy, unexpectedly tender crime thriller.
- What is Gloria like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gloria as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Gloria violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Gloria as moderate.
- What did critics think of Gloria?
- Critics broadly praise John Cassavetes's observant direction and Gena Rowlands's galvanizing performance while finding the pulpy script comparatively slight.
- Which films are like Gloria?
- Films with a similar feel include The Professional, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Widows, and Mikey and Nicky.
- How long is Gloria?
- Gloria runs 122 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gloria?
- In United States, Gloria is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
