Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- brooding
- dreamy
- eerie
- quiet night
- southern gothic double feature
What critics said
Critics broadly found a visually striking, dreamlike southern gothic drama whose realized characters and emotional weight outweigh its deliberately slow thriller pacing.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The isolated Georgia pig farm and its damaged family history create an ominous southern gothic atmosphere.
Chris is repeatedly forced to shoulder farm work and protect Tim while grieving his mother and confronting Deel.
The rural farm, river, and surrounding wilderness mirror the boys' grief, isolation, and peril.
Deel's release from prison and arrival at the farm exposes old wounds and ulterior motives.
Films like Undertow, and why
The Night of the Hunter
southern gothic atmosphere, endangered children, and steadily accumulating family menace
George Washington
rural coming of age drama shaped by grief, violence, and outsider danger
The Reflecting Skin
dreamlike crime tension, damaged family bonds, and lyrical rural landscapes
Winter's Bone
backwoods gothic suspense centered on dysfunctional family relationships and survival
Movie Details
- Director
- David Gordon Green
- Release Date
- 2004-10-22
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (141)
Cast
- Jamie Bell
- Josh Lucas
- Dermot Mulroney
- Devon Alan
- Kristen Stewart
- Robert Longstreet
- Terry Loughlin
- Eddie Rouse
- Patrice Johnson
- Charles 'Jester' Poston
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Undertow about?
- A grieving Georgia teenager must protect his vulnerable younger brother when a newly released uncle brings buried family violence to their isolated farm.
- What is Undertow like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Undertow as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Undertow violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Undertow as brutal.
- What did critics think of Undertow?
- Critics broadly found a visually striking, dreamlike southern gothic drama whose realized characters and emotional weight outweigh its deliberately slow thriller pacing.
- Which films are like Undertow?
- Films with a similar feel include The Night of the Hunter, George Washington, The Reflecting Skin, and Winter's Bone.
- How long is Undertow?
- Undertow runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Undertow?
- In United States, Undertow streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
