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Being Flynn

Being Flynn

We're All Works In Progress

2012102 minRMidcredits score: 54th percentile of all films
Director
Paul Weitz
Starring
Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Julianne Moore, Olivia Thirlby

Working in a Boston homeless shelter, Nick Flynn re-encounters his father, a con man and self-proclaimed poet. Sensing trouble in his own life, Nick wrestles with the notion of reaching out yet again to his dad.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Being Flynn?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Being Flynn to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Being Flynn?

Being Flynn earns 5 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Being Flynn worth watching?

Being Flynn's Midcredits score is the 54th percentile of all films, from 27K ratings across 6 sources. 51% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

54th percentile

Better received than 54% of films

53rd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)54th

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Drama53rd percentile among 2010s

Critics 53 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

51% liked it

54th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
51% rated it 7–1049% rated it 1–6

Critics 49% · Audience 41%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 0 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

27K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Drama90th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 13% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$44K
Domestic gross$540K
Worldwide gross$983K

60th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A raw, dark father-son drama anchored by strong performances from De Niro and Dano.

Fans praised

  • De Niro and Dano deliver captivating, discomforting performances
  • Unflinching portrayal of homelessness and addiction
  • Genuine emotional core in the father-son dynamic

Detractors panned

  • Slow pacing and monotonous tone drag the story
  • Unlikable characters make it hard to invest
  • Weak plot with little narrative progression

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

De Niro's intense, layered performance as the flawed father; Dano holds his own

AtmosphereDivisive70

Grim, realistic depiction of homeless shelter life

CharactersDivisive60

Unlikable yet complex father and son; hard to root for

Emotional impactDivisive60

Affecting for some; others find it detached or heavy-handed

EndingDivisive55

Hopeful but abrupt or too neat resolution

Plot and storyDivisive45

Thin narrative, slow development, lacking strong arc

PacingDivisive35

Slow, monotonous, overly long runtime

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men 8 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Being Flynn like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
MelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Dry humor
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film treats its difficult subject matter with gravity and empathy, never undercutting the emotional reality.
The rideThe mood is consistently somber and reflective, centering on the difficult encounters between father and son.
StructureThe story unfolds with flashbacks to Nick's mother and his childhood, interwoven with the present narrative, supported by voiceover.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's ending provides closure and optimism for both father and son, but the journey is painful, leaving a mix of hope and melancholy.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).RebirthHealing
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% · Healing 5% (this title) · 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. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film follows Nick as he reconnects with his estranged father and works through his past trauma, leading to personal growth and reconciliation.

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 filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · 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

Family bondsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the fraught bond between a son and his estranged, con-man father and Nick's struggle with whether to reconnect.
StanceThe film questions whether a damaged family bond can be repaired and what it costs to try.

The world

Early 21st centuryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Badly Drawn Boy
Settinga homeless shelter in Boston
MusicThe score, composed by indie musician Badly Drawn Boy, likely underscores the emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Being Flynn okay for kids?

R

Being Flynn is rated R: “Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content, drug use, and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (54/100), sexual content at moderate (55/100), language at intense (75/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (75/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 10 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR15+
  • Brazil14
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (46 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Being Flynn have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Being Flynn?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Robert De Niro
as Jonathan Flynn
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 Dano
as Nick Flynn
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julianne Moore
as Jody Flynn
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.
Olivia Thirlby
as Denise
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Eddie Rouse
as Carlos
Steve Cirbus
as Jeff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lili Taylor
as Joy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Victor Rasuk
as Gabriel
Liam Broggy
as Young Nick
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Chris Chalk
as Ivan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Being Flynn?

Movies like Being Flynn include Prozac Nation (2001), The Adderall Diaries (2015) and Boy Erased (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, half are biopics, and half are films set in New England.

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

7 of these 12 share its character type: estranged parent and child. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Being Flynn?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: parent and child estranged. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.