Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- moody
- alluring
- paranoid
- late night thriller viewing
- neo-noir marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a moody, suspenseful, conventional but effective erotic crime thriller elevated by the chemistry and performances of Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Frank Keller falls in love with Helen while investigating her as the principal suspect in a serial-killer case.
The investigation proceeds through the emotionally and sexually charged relationship between Frank and Helen.
Frank is presented as a weary New York detective whose emotional involvement complicates his professional role.
The film’s moody New York setting and central chemistry support its erotic neo-noir identity.
Films like Sea of Love, and why
Basic Instinct
Shares erotic thriller tension, serial-killer investigation, and morally complicated attraction between detective and suspect.
The Last Seduction
Combines brooding neo-noir atmosphere, police investigation, sexual intrigue, and an unreliable path toward identifying a killer.
Manhunter
Features a troubled detective, urban crime suspense, romantic danger, and a psychologically charged investigation.
Movie Details
- Director
- Harold Becker
- Release Date
- 1989-09-15
- Runtime
- 113 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (713)
Cast
- Al Pacino
- Ellen Barkin
- John Goodman
- Michael Rooker
- William Hickey
- Richard Jenkins
- Paul Calderon
- Gene Canfield
- Larry Joshua
- John Spencer
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 Sea of Love about?
- A weary New York detective’s pursuit of a personals-linked serial killer becomes dangerously entangled with his attraction to the woman he suspects.
- What is Sea of Love like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Sea of Love as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Sea of Love violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Sea of Love as moderate.
- What did critics think of Sea of Love?
- Critics broadly found the film a moody, suspenseful, conventional but effective erotic crime thriller elevated by the chemistry and performances of Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin.
- Which films are like Sea of Love?
- Films with a similar feel include Basic Instinct, The Last Seduction, and Manhunter.
- How long is Sea of Love?
- Sea of Love runs 113 minutes.
- Where can I watch Sea of Love?
- In United States, Sea of Love is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
