Maelström
Seen it?2000 | 87 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 27 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A young woman's life spirals into chaos after she is involved in a hit-and-run accident. Then she encounters a mysterious man named Evian who offers her an opportunity for redemption. Narrated by a fish.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: FIPRESCI Prize. Plus 19 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$254K worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 79K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Hungry Hearts
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Rookie
Monday Morning MaybeAnother drama. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Crimes of Passion Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Coffy
Saturday SpecialAnother drama that's easy to miss.
Nymphomaniac: Vol. II Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
- Marie-Josée CrozeBibiane Champagne
- Jean-Nicolas VerreaultEvian
- Stephanie MorgensternClaire Gunderson
- Pierre LebeauThe Fish (voice)
- Kliment DenchevHead-Annstein Karlsen
- John Dunn-HillFishmonger
- Bobby BeshroPhilippe Champagne
- Marie-France LambertMarie-Jeanne Sirois
- Luis OlivaFishmonger's Employee
- Robin AubertGas Station Clerk