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Poster for The Squid and the Whale

The Squid and the Whale

Seen it?

2005 | 81 min | Comedy, Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Rushmore, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 21 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother, The Squid and the Whale tells the touching story of two young boys dealing with their parents' divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980s.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Nominated for 1 Oscar, 3 Golden Globes and 1 WGA Award.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $11 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 157K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Noah Baumbach

  • Jeff DanielsBernard Berkman
  • Laura LinneyJoan Berkman
  • Jesse EisenbergWalt Berkman
  • Owen KlineFrank Berkman
  • William BaldwinIvan
  • Halley FeifferSophie Greenberg
  • Anna PaquinLili
  • David BengerCarl
  • Molly BartonGraduate Student
  • Bo BerkmanGraduate Student