Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- deadpan
- poignant
- lazy sunday
- indie movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's period production design, deadpan humor, and especially the assured performances, while recognizing its poignant coming-of-age perspective.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Vivian worries about her developing body, considers breast reduction, and navigates her first sexual experiences.
The Abromowitzes move between cheap Beverly Hills apartments and rely on Uncle Mickey's money.
Vivian's penniless family squats in Beverly Hills so the children can attend elite local schools.
Burnt-orange carpeting, dated clothing, extreme hairstyles, and period salesmanship define the family's temporary homes.
Films like Slums of Beverly Hills, and why
The Squid and the Whale
shared coming-of-age perspective, dysfunctional family comedy, and bittersweet adolescent self-discovery
Welcome to the Dollhouse
shared witty family dysfunction, adolescent sexuality, and emotionally grounded dramedy
Ghost World
shared teenage outsider perspective, deadpan humor, and uncomfortable family dynamics
The Royal Tenenbaums
shared warm but awkward coming-of-age tone and eccentric family relationships
Movie Details
- Director
- Tamara Jenkins
- Release Date
- 1998-08-14
- Runtime
- 91 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (261)
Cast
- Natasha Lyonne
- Alan Arkin
- Marisa Tomei
- Eli Marienthal
- David Krumholtz
- Kevin Corrigan
- Jessica Walter
- Mena Suvari
- Carl Reiner
- Harris Laskawy
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- 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 Slums of Beverly Hills about?
- A sharp, tender coming-of-age comedy follows a teenage girl navigating poverty, sexuality, and an unruly family in 1970s Beverly Hills.
- What is Slums of Beverly Hills like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Slums of Beverly Hills as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Slums of Beverly Hills violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Slums of Beverly Hills.
- What did critics think of Slums of Beverly Hills?
- Critics broadly praised the film's period production design, deadpan humor, and especially the assured performances, while recognizing its poignant coming-of-age perspective.
- Which films are like Slums of Beverly Hills?
- Films with a similar feel include The Squid and the Whale, Welcome to the Dollhouse, Ghost World, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
- How long is Slums of Beverly Hills?
- Slums of Beverly Hills runs 91 minutes.
- Where can I watch Slums of Beverly Hills?
- In United States, Slums of Beverly Hills streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
