Melancholia
Seen it?2011 | 136 min | Drama, Science Fiction
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for sci-fi fans. If you loved The Man Who Fell to Earth, start here. 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 2 hr 16 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 1 more Cannes award and 1 Independent Spirit Award. Plus 22 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$22 million worldwide on a $7 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 500K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Assessment
Sunday Safe BetAnother sci-fi film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lars von Trier
- Kirsten DunstJustine
- Charlotte GainsbourgClaire
- Kiefer SutherlandJohn
- Alexander SkarsgårdMichael
- Cameron SpurrLeo
- Stellan SkarsgårdJack
- John HurtDexter
- Brady CorbetTim
- Jesper ChristensenLittle Father
- Charlotte RamplingGaby