Skip to content
MovieCove
All Is Bright

All Is Bright

All is busted. All is broke. All is bitter. All is BRIGHT.

2013107 minRMidcredits score: 25th percentile of all films
Director
Phil Morrison
Starring
Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, Sally Hawkins, Amy Landecker

Two ne’er-do-wells from Quebec travel to New York City with a scheme to get rich quick selling Christmas trees.

Where to watch

Where can I watch All Is Bright?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists All Is Bright streaming on MovieSphere+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free), Prime Video and STARZ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about All Is Bright?

All Is Bright earns 6 badges, led by Christmas pick and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is All Is Bright worth watching?

All Is Bright's Midcredits score is the 25th percentile of all films, from 14K ratings across 6 sources. 30% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

25th percentile

Better received than 25% of films

27th percentile among Comedy26th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)30th
Approval (how many liked it)23rd

55 /100

30th percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Comedy32nd percentile among 2010s

Critics 54 · Audience 55

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.7 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

30% liked it

23rd percentile of all films

23rd percentile among Comedy22nd percentile among 2010s
30% rated it 7–1070% rated it 1–6

Critics 48% · Audience 23%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

72nd percentile

14K ratings across platforms

69th percentile among Comedy75th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 39% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$4.6K
Domestic gross$4.6K
Worldwide gross$4.6K

5th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A dark, depressing, nearly comedy-free character drama about two down-and-out ex-cons selling Christmas trees in New York.

Fans praised

  • Strong lead performances from Giamatti and Rudd
  • Authentic, emotionally resonant character study
  • Bleak realism and unsentimental tone

Detractors panned

  • Almost no comedy despite being marketed as one
  • Dull, meandering plot with weak script
  • Depressing and mirthless tone

What stands out

Acting75

Giamatti and Rudd deliver compelling, natural performances; Rudd's range is tested

CharactersDivisive65

Flawed, sympathetic leads but Rudd's character is underdeveloped

Emotional impactDivisive50

Some viewers find it poignant, others just depressing

Dialogue45

Awkward banter, few memorable lines

EndingDivisive40

Sad and bittersweet finale, feels unsatisfying to many

Plot and storyDivisive35

Thin, meandering story with contrived turns and weak climax

Pacing35

Slow start, dull stretches, lack of narrative drive

Humor15

Almost no actual comedy; marketed as funny but is a drama

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 14 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is All Is Bright like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
BittersweetHopeful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film balances its comedic moments with heartfelt sentiment, playing its story of flawed men trying to do right mostly straight.
The rideThe story's emotional weight likely builds toward the resolution of the father's quest for his daughter's piano.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological structure as Dennis and Rene work their Christmas tree lot and navigate their friendship.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film balances the warmth of holiday spirit with the real struggles of redemption, leaving you hopeful but aware of life's complications.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeDennis, fresh out of parole, takes a Christmas tree-selling job to reconnect with his daughter, seeking personal redemption.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% (this title) · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Parenthood · 2% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Friendship · 9% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeA father, fresh from prison, tries to provide for his daughter, rekindling old friendships on the way.
StanceThe film observes a father's efforts to provide for his daughter and the rekindling of a friendship, without strong judgment.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · Graham Reynolds
SettingA small American town during the Christmas season.
MusicLikely includes gentle, seasonal music to underscore the Christmas setting.

Content guide

Is All Is Bright okay for kids?

R

All Is Bright is rated R.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15A

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does All Is Bright have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in All Is Bright?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Paul Giamatti
as Dennis
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Paul Rudd
as Rene
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sally Hawkins
as Olga
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Amy Landecker
as Therese
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Peter Hermann
as Monsieur Tremblay
Emory Cohen
as Lou, who comes to buy a tree
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Michael Drayer
as Bobby, who comes to buy a tree
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tatyana Richaud
as Michi
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Colman Domingo
as Nzomo
newcomer then · star now
Adam Phillips
as Antoine
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like All Is Bright?

Movies like All Is Bright include Mimi (2021), Ezra (2023) and The Heavenly Kid (1985). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films about redemption, and several are films that feel sentimental.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its subject: parenthood. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with All Is Bright?

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.