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The Squid and the Whale

The Squid and the Whale

2005
Comedy
Drama
1h 21m
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 1980's. (imdb)
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The Squid and the Whale

2005
Comedy
Drama
1h 21m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 61.25% from 3774 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3774)
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Rated 02 Nov 2008
85
92nd
A magnificent film which reveals the difficulties of being any age and a part of a family. It also helps to explain the effects that selfish and selfless behaviors have on others. The inferred meanings behind the actions of the characters speak far louder than their attempts to explain them.
Rated 30 Nov 2020
6
95th
Like most men, whether they will admit it or not, I am basically made up of the male characters in this film. There's been times where I've been so uncomfortable with myself and my opinions that I aped others opinions as my own. There's been times where I've been a pompous, bitter, difficult person and made being around impossible. There's been times where I've not known what was going on in my life and just wanted to cum on things. "Is she a Knicks fan?"
Rated 01 Aug 2009
82
87th
Great little drama, full of lovely performances that bring this offbeat and quirky movie to life. The autobiographical nature of this film means that pretty much anyone watching will find something in common with the characters and their place in the family dynamic. None of the characters are particuarly likeable, but that's kind of the point!
Rated 03 Feb 2022
75
80th
Like all good aquatic horror movies, the human drama is actually more engaging than the terrifying sea creatures. ... Remember how everybody wants the rat removed from the end of The Departed?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
56th
Some people may ultimately find it to be a cathartic experience, witnessing the horrific daily existence for many families suffering from the same malady of separation, divorce, and the difficulties of the devastating aftermath.
Rated 18 Feb 2007
6
55th
The closest thing Baumbach will ever get to a good movie can be found here. And it's still not that great.
Rated 29 Jun 2012
91
83rd
Beautiful performances bring a depressingly realistic screenplay to life.
Rated 24 Oct 2011
65
42nd
"The Squid and the Whale" is overall enjoyable and likable, but ultimately it feels too forced to resonate. Baumbach tries to craft a realistic story but he relies on oversimplistic characters and circumstances and the final result comes off as phony as a result. Still, there is plenty of charm to be found here, either because of the tender script or the talented actors who do their best with problematic material. The inconclusive ending may have worked better as an epilogue to a superior film.
Rated 04 Nov 2010
70
48th
A unique view of a fragmented family and the way the kids struggle their ideas of the world.
Rated 08 Apr 2010
75
74th
Noah Baumbach is one of the few director/writers in American indie cinema that actually makes worthwhile films, recommended. Edit: seems a little slight on a second viewing, but still very good.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
40
14th
i have no desire to see bourgeois self-obsessed brooklynites feel neurotic and alienated for two hours. boring.
Rated 13 Jun 2009
79
82nd
Very witty written and directed movie about divorce with kids. Anna Paquin visits mixing the pot. Flick ends with positive fibe; it's up to you.
Rated 13 Jan 2008
69
41st
Very touching and surprisingly well done, it still bears some kind of scriptwriting 101 dynamics that make it feel a little forced, and Jeff Daniels' character is too chillingly unsympathetic (Baumbach surely have issues with his father). Too bad the ending's a little hurried too, coming after only 72 minutes and pronouncing even more the feeling of a somewhat missed chance here.
Rated 27 May 2009
89
94th
A genuine portrait of a dysfunctional family, the film is carried by uncomfortably human portrayals of all the major characters. These people are unpleasant, snobbish, uncaring, awkward, deluded, and, shockingly enough, surprisingly likable. The film is produced by Wes Anderson, but does not quite stride the same plane of quirkiness inherent to his films, instead leaning more towards light neo-realism.
Rated 26 Apr 2020
90
92nd
Jeff Daniels as Bernard may be the funniest character on film in this new century. Move over, Pistachio Disguisey.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
96th
I had no clue what to expect, but thought it was outstanding. And I noticed one of the producers was.... Wes Anderson.
Rated 27 Aug 2023
70
65th
I had hoped this would be more of a drama, and was a little let down by the satire/ironic distancing approach. I couldn't stop thinking that it was filmed in the spirit of this quote from 'The Talented Mr. Ripley': "The truth is that if you've had money your entire life, even if you despise it, which we do - agreed? - you're only truly comfortable around other people who have it and despise it." It's still good though. Great performances. You should watch.
Rated 12 Sep 2017
61
36th
There's a real honesty in the way that the two kids come to realize that their parents are real people who have more to them than the kids' initial internal beliefs. While I appreciated that, and understand why this probably speaks to a lot of people, the movie overall just felt too rudderless.
Rated 14 May 2011
80
77th
Horribly honest and theatrically twisted. A combination of wanting to cut yourself while watching, and then laughing to push the bad news away. Very interesting. Very dense.
Rated 31 Jul 2011
70
46th
Top baddass moment? Well there's not a lot of choice here, in a film that's populated with rather pathetic and undoubtedly sad individuals. However, I've made the effort, done my best and so I'm going with Bernard Berkman being concerned that his wife still has his copy of Thomas Hardy's "Jude the Obscure". Anyone who cares that much about a book (even if, as is the case here, the best book ever written), whilst in the middle of a life crisis, is bassass. 1 cat. 0 decapitations.
Rated 14 Sep 2009
80
95th
Absolutely beautifull. It had a subtle taste of Wes Anderson which made me love the movie even more. Great characters and script. A great watch, but definetly not for everyone..
Rated 07 Feb 2007
78
63rd
There's an awful lot of cynicism and loathing here. There is heart to it, but it gets buried under the nastiness. I prefer Wes Anderson's more poignant, even corny, approach. However, the soundtrack sent me into throes of nerdgasm. "Oh my god, it's Love on a Real Train! Holy shit, it's Heart Like a Wheel! No fucking way, is that little girl singing Kyrie?!"
Rated 15 Dec 2008
85
94th
This is, by some margin, my favorite from Baumbach. I find that his other films are minor Baumbach (and I'm pretty sure Jeff Daniels' Bernard Berkman would probably agree). Maybe that's because this one features more ordinary and likeable characters... which is saying a lot about the guy's filmography!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
97th
This is probably one of the best movies that I've seen in a long time. I laughed a lot, and ultimately I was sad by the end. Jeff Daniels turned in an oscar worthy performance, and the rest of the cast shines as well. Odd, but definitely great.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
82nd
This is what it's like when you're shuffled from one parent to another during joint custody. How's a kid supposed to develop healthy relationships when the model he sees at home is so fucked? I still don't know the answer to that question.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
90
89th
Simply the best movie ever about parent separation. It's real. Anyone who has divorced parents can look at this film and come away with a connection. And on top of that, its damned hilarious.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
85
77th
20 Ocak 08 & Filmi ayakta tutan en onemli unsur senaryo.Cok iyi islenmis bir olay orgusune sahip.Noah Baumbach'in kamerasi pek dikkat cekmiyor, belki de yapmaya calistigi buydu.Boylelikle filme daha rahat konstre olmamizi sagladi.Bu senaryoyla bir basyapit yaratilabilinirdi, fakat bir kac eksik kalan sey sayesinde -mesela amator gibi duran goruntu ve oyunculuklar- filmi ancak "iyi, hos" olarak nitelendirebiliyoruz.Bagimsiz bir yapim oldugunu da goz onune alirsak, herseye ragmen kacirilmamali...
Rated 21 Jul 2014
82
42nd
A heartbreakingly honest story of two boys whose parents divorce. Exploring the complexity of parent-child relationship, and how we inherit and learn so much from our parents that they surely didn't want to teach us.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
77th
Talented and deft direction opens the door for beautiful performances in a heartbreakingly truthful movie.
Rated 20 Aug 2013
85
77th
The dialogue was quick, dark, witty, and memorable. I really enjoyed the acting too. Frank was such a weird little fucker though...
Rated 30 Nov 2006
78
39th
A very real depiction of divorce and human reactions, but do you really want to watch a movie about that? Don't get me wrong, it's very interesting to see how each person in the family slowly breaks down emotionally, but at the same time it is quite depressing and I felt a little empty after seeing it.
Rated 21 Mar 2011
60
54th
Okay, so divorce is a bitch, huh? Daniels is quite funny, though.
Rated 26 Jan 2018
65
23rd
There was potential for this film to really explore the elements of a failed marriage and how dysfunctional a family can become. The personalities portrayed were easy to identify and connect with, but at times felt fabricated. For me, the quirky and clever nature of Baumbach's films didn't meet my expectations in this. Pretentious, but still a film to see because of its sensitive subject.
Rated 30 Mar 2010
88
87th
Good, good, good. But could be ....... er, gooder. Still, film felt very real, and I watched it at a time when I started to see my parents as real people. Felt the pain and confusion of this film as it was so brilliantly done.
Rated 08 Jun 2010
82
84th
The film was pleasant viewing and has few, if any, obvious flaws. It's nice to see the story of an imperfect but far-from-tragic family. The only negative thing I can say about it is it's not particularly memorable.
Rated 11 Feb 2009
86
73rd
I like this a lot.
Rated 12 Dec 2019
80
81st
When my parents split my dad did the same thing as Daniels's character where he would be extremely picky about how you said "our home" vs "your home." Too real
Rated 01 Jul 2007
45
14th
I'm sure people who have experience with separation and divorce would have an easier time connecting with this story of the disintegration of this family. However, I just couldn't get over what big assholes these folks were. A miserable time.
Rated 19 Aug 2010
78
31st
The detail in the script is the lovely thing about this film, but nothing else seems to amount to much so all it adds up to in the end is an attractive piece of self-indulgence.
Rated 02 Mar 2019
70
76th
Great dialogue. Can't think of a fav scene.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
30
4th
Found this very boring.
Rated 01 Feb 2020
69
34th
Highly personalised view of divorce is extremely well-acted and no doubt true to life, but spending time with any of these characters, even for a mercifully brief hour and change, is neither a pleasant nor edifying experience. Baumbach feels too close to these people - a different writer or director might have dug deeper to explore their underpinning motivations, rather than the superficial skim we get here. Unexpectedly highlighted by Baldwin's quite wonderful performance as a vapid gym rat.
Rated 17 Jun 2010
75
75th
Though it occasionally gets a little bogged down in its own pretentiousness, the strong performances and directing elevate it above its writing.
Rated 04 May 2008
94
75th
brutal but seemed all too real. the boys were both fantastic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
79th
Art house chic and very well written. Impeccably acted.
Rated 28 Dec 2007
93
52nd
Very good. Solid story and mood.
Rated 03 Sep 2023
73
82nd
Jeff Daniels is the fillet of bloviating assholes.
Rated 01 Sep 2015
7
57th
Watching this on my parents' 30th anniversary; Not sure where I was going with this.
Rated 16 Jan 2011
88
73rd
Wonderful. An essentially perfect, devastatingly honest screenplay pinned down by a quartet of essentially perfect lead performances; Jeff Daniels is career-best, nobody but Laura Linney could play her role, Jesse Eisenberg is convincingly heartfelt yet tragically incomplete, and goddamn if Kevin Kline's little boy isn't just crazy good. It's admirably compact, and because of that might seems a little slight, but it's hard to fault it for that when it feels so heartbreakingly, hilariously real.
Rated 01 Jan 2024
83
73rd
This tale of divorce is enjoyable to watch because of the particular tone it hits -- certainly not overdramatic, including plenty of dialogue that is memorable for how amusing it is, but it still takes the disrupted family dynamic seriously and somewhat realistically without overdoing it. And the film finds time to squeeze in all sorts of stories for each of these characters dealing with the separation, showing the effect it has on each of them in each of their stages in their lives.
Rated 19 Jun 2008
94
56th
Going through my own relationshi* stuff, at the time, this movie was too true to my life and incredibly sad. It reminded me of Royal Tannenbaums
Rated 29 Nov 2020
88
77th
Well the dad clearly has some regrets and issues, and the mother sure is a bit too honest. Messed up family but as we can see, people persist and life goes on. It may suck, but in reality it doesn't. It just happens and it just is. It defines you and you grow with all the pleasantries and unpleasantries alike. I really liked the tone of this film, but I'm biased as really dig what Baumbach is usually offering and this one was no exception.
Rated 03 Jun 2013
80
77th
http://gorgview.com/the-squid-and-the-whale
Rated 25 Jul 2007
75
83rd
Baumbach does dramatic adult angst in a more entertaingly watchable, yet nonetheless squirmingly effective manner than just about any other American filmmaker. The comedy's there, as it ought to (and needs to) be, but it never really threatens to overtake that awesome fucking angst.
Rated 12 Oct 2011
90
80th
Stark, awkward and darkly funny, The Squid and the Whale is a great family drama. Jeff Daniels continues to prove his immense worth as an actor, yet he still doesn't get the respect he deserves. Owen Kline is also electrifying and it is a frightening performance for someone so young.
Rated 06 Jun 2020
82
62nd
Manages to be fun even though the characters are obnoxious, and the situations are mostly awkward and embarrassing.
Rated 13 Feb 2008
88
75th
This feels like the cerebral equivalent of Rambo IV; it was a struggle to sit through and there was a lot of things to squirm about. The direction was definitely above-average, and the music was amazing, but it's still a painful watch. Jeff Daniels does a great job at giving some sympathy to such an unlikeable person.
Rated 19 Jul 2012
80
69th
Well written drama with decent actors. Somehow I just feel it would've been much better with Anderson/Murray since Baumbach isn't much of a director.
Rated 19 Jun 2014
80
84th
A very touching movie with a cast of deeply flawed characters. The situation being depicted is realistic, but this movie doesn't try to be as realistic as possible. Stylistic elements are applied cautiously and meticulously, never distracting from the main story. Baumbach clearly loves his characters, but he always makes sure that their imperfections are apparent and ready to fuck up situations, resulting sometimes in laughs, and sometimes in genuinely affecting and impressive moments.
Rated 24 Apr 2010
75
53rd
Gotta give lots of lovothe to the script, first and foremost. It is so totally honest it's heart breaking. The acting is all around great. It isn't brought down by typical indie bullshit; you might think it will be (I avoided renting it for a long time because of this) but ultimately it goes above and beyond that.
Rated 30 Jun 2014
65
35th
Though not as bad as Margot at the Wedding I still find Baumbach's mocking of his characters as well as the loathing and cynicism that drips through the entire thing quite yucky. Certainly the film has a fair bit going for it, in particular it is very accurate in showing the emotional turmoil that can occur in this situation, but that isn't enough.
Rated 12 Feb 2017
63
54th
Baumbach and I don't typically get along, but this is probably his best film because it feels like an authentic portrayal of familial dysfunction. Leaning heavily on his own upbringing, Baumbach avoids the typical trap of artists who try to mine personal pain for public spectacle (i.e maudlin self pity and indulgence) by keeping it low key and character focused. Daniels stands out in a great turn as middle aged failure personified, but the rest of the cast do fine work with difficult roles.
Rated 30 Dec 2009
90
96th
The most emotionally honest - and therefore the worst - film I have seen dealing with the issue of marriage breakdown upon the family
Rated 17 Oct 2007
8
68th
Few better pairings than Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney.
Rated 25 Aug 2010
54
71st
#00s(m)#, reviews, Laura L, Anna P.
Rated 14 Feb 2008
60
38th
Nah.
Rated 03 Jul 2010
78
57th
Almost like a teenage version of Baumbach's later character Roger Greenberg, Walt is a hard-to-understand individual who seems overwhelmed by the events of his life. Even though the film is honest and straightforward, we never get more than a brief glimpse into the psyche of any of the 4 main characters. This is becoming a Baumbach trademark; unfortunately it does make his films more "difficult" than other indie material. Still a worthwhile film, good performances, but ultimately unfulfilling.
Rated 16 Jan 2011
90
91st
When we're children, we face emotional turmoil as translated for us by our parents, like a mother describing a frightening museum diorama to their child. When we grow up, we have to face the fact that we're messy, emotional beings, and translate emotional turmoil on our own. We have to face the squid and the whale, no matter how terrifying their mortal struggle.
Rated 30 Jan 2024
50
27th
all quirk but none of the charm of anderson. i'm not sure what to make of it. straddles the line between uncomfortable and boring.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
87
75th
Excellent portrait of an awful family.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
74
63rd
It's actually very well-acted, darkly funny and a bit disturbing.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
90
93rd
Harsh, but realistically so. I appreciate the way Baumbach has managed to make it hilarious while still completely natural - the characters are written so well that lines like "did you get that it was her cunt?" work far better than they have any right to.
Rated 13 Mar 2011
65
74th
It's very Kafkaesque
Rated 01 Oct 2008
95
97th
Wonderful screenplay, excellent acting, a very gorgeous and real film.
Rated 05 Sep 2021
87
71st
That cashew would’ve made a visible lump in his nostril
Rated 03 Nov 2010
8
80th
Great family centered drama. Daniels and Eisenberg are particularly good.
Rated 01 Nov 2009
77
79th
Honest film about a family going through a divorce. Quirky, compelling, and great performances by the whole family. Dark and funny. At times, uncomfortable. Watch it.
Rated 16 Jul 2010
86
96th
The mood and the characters were just right. I could really relate to this one.
Rated 08 Dec 2010
76
87th
Like a Woody Allen movie but more downbeat, less jokey, and, more importantly, includes the kids. What’s more, Baumbach manages this inclusion without thereby turning his movie into a soap opera, which is not an easy feat. Approaches difficult material in a mostly subtle, interesting and very honest way, as long as the viewer can stand to spend eighty minutes with these characters, some of whom can be very unpleasant (although nevertheless entirely believable). Excellent performances all round.
Rated 19 Jul 2008
90
84th
This is a quirky and dark look at the lives of two boys struggling with their parents divorce. It's not an easy viewing.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
25th
What the hell is wrong with this kid?
Rated 01 Jan 2020
97
96th
Even when we don't have to war with external problems like most people, with enivornmental or social struggles -- even when we can live comfortably, we are still people at the end of the day. Confused, self-interested, torn people. And Baumbach's Squid and the Whale is a beautiful mirror-reflection of that. It effortlessly gives us the insight of the whole picture while pivoting us into certain camps. There are no good or bad guys. Just people.
Rated 13 Apr 2008
89
76th
full of painfully embarrassing moments
Rated 30 Apr 2009
91
69th
A solid, often uncomfortable drama about family disfunction in the intellectual elite. Jeff Daniels delivers a good performance.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
75
15th
A bit awkward and boring at parts, props for originality though
Rated 25 Jan 2010
85
83rd
Strange movie, but the people seem broken in a way that real people are. Especially amazing are the kids. I love when kids in movies are played by kids who can act and don't just jump around like trained seals. It makes the movie that much more sincere, something that is also helped by the fact that the movie never falls into melodrama.
Rated 06 Feb 2009
67
27th
Very dry, rather...unsettling. Funny in a few places. Like "American Beauty", one of those movies that I watch occasionally to remind myself that I am not nearly the most messed-up person out there.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
78th
One of the finer indie movies of the year. Jeff Daniels gives a fabulous performance and the plot is very touching.
Rated 11 Feb 2021
45
11th
https://esperwatchesfilms.tumblr.com/post/642796769857634304/the-squid-and-the-whale-2005
Rated 02 Sep 2010
50
49th
Good. Yet another troubled family story based on true events. It has some excellent performances by the lead actors but the tale is told in a stale manner, If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. Recommended if there's nothing better available.
Rated 02 Dec 2006
72
36th
A waste of time. Two dislikeable parents split, leaving confused teenagers struggling with direction.
Rated 06 Aug 2011
89
91st
Hilarious and touching throughout, with great performances from everyone. I didn't think it was so fucked up before watching it, at times I felt like I was watchin 'Happiness' which is definitely a good thing. Jeff Daniels was so great I really did hate his character towards the end.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
76th
A smart and thought provoking film that will thouch anyone whose parents are divorced.
Rated 20 Feb 2016
16
88th
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
72nd
An extremely honest portrait of divorce, that has startingly dialouge and fantastic acting.
Rated 19 Apr 2024
70
67th
Rated 23 Mar 2014
87
91st
87.000
Rated 10 Apr 2009
69
59th
Despite good acting and nice dialogues, this film didn't make me feel much. It's cute, funny and a bit weird, and although all that's great, it's definitely missing something. Also the ending was unsatisfying.
Rated 24 May 2017
55
28th
I don't believe for a second that many people didn't know the song "Hey You" was written by Pink Floyd. I don't even like the band and I knew it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
76th
Jeff Daniels is the man.

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