Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- morally conflicted
- gritty
- 1990s crime movie night
- adult thriller viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the crime thriller underdeveloped and commercially unsuccessful, though several noted stronger-than-expected performances from David Duchovny and Timothy Hutton.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Eugene's surgical knowledge is repurposed to treat gunshot victims for criminals who cannot use hospitals.
After losing his license through drug use, Eugene moves from private desperation into organized crime and illicit medicine.
The film builds tension around clandestine surgery, gang injuries, and the threat of exposure in Los Angeles.
Eugene's illegal work takes place within an off-the-books criminal network operating across Los Angeles.
Films like Playing God, and why
Moral
shared crime thriller framework, morally compromised protagonist, and descent into criminal networks
Extreme Measures
shared medical-crime premise, urban danger, and pressure on a professional operating outside institutions
The Last Boy Scout
shared 1990s crime drama atmosphere, gang conflict, and ethically compromised central character
Movie Details
- Director
- Andy Wilson
- Release Date
- 1997-10-17
- Runtime
- 94 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (129)
Cast
- David Duchovny
- Timothy Hutton
- Angelina Jolie
- Michael Massee
- Stacey Travis
- Bob Jennings
- Peter Stormare
- John Hawkes
- Tracey Walter
- Andrew Tiernan
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 Playing God about?
- A disgraced surgeon becomes the clandestine healer of a Los Angeles crime ring and risks losing himself to its violent underworld.
- What is Playing God like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Playing God as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Playing God violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Playing God as moderate.
- What did critics think of Playing God?
- Critics broadly found the crime thriller underdeveloped and commercially unsuccessful, though several noted stronger-than-expected performances from David Duchovny and Timothy Hutton.
- Which films are like Playing God?
- Films with a similar feel include Moral, Extreme Measures, and The Last Boy Scout.
- How long is Playing God?
- Playing God runs 94 minutes.
- Where can I watch Playing God?
- In United States, Playing God is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
