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Flirt

Flirt

199585 minRMidcredits score: 55th percentile of all films
Director
Hal Hartley
Starring
Bill Sage, King Mustafa Obafemi, Miho Nikaido, Parker Posey

The same situation is played out in different cities (New York, Berlin and Tokyo). A lover has to choose whether to commit to a partner who is returning home. In each case there are other people involved, an ex-partner and someone else in a "permanent" relationship, what do they choose to do?

Where to watch

Where can I watch Flirt?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Flirt on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Flirt?

Flirt earns 3 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Thought-provoking.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Flirt worth watching?

Flirt's Midcredits score is the 55th percentile of all films, from 6.3K ratings across 5 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

55th percentile

Better received than 55% of films

55th percentile among Drama58th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)57th
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

64 /100

57th percentile of all films

58th percentile among Drama62nd percentile among 1990s

Critics 46 · Audience 66

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

50th percentile among Drama55th percentile among 1990s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 73% · Audience 72%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Reach

How many have seen it

66th percentile

6.3K ratings across platforms

69th percentile among Drama60th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 79% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$15K
Domestic gross$263K
Worldwide gross$263K

44th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film repeats the same story and dialogue across three different settings, but disagree on whether that repetition is insightful or tiresome.

Fans praised

  • clever, sharp, witty dialogue
  • poetic close-ups and distinctive visual style
  • playful, intellectually engaging experiment

Detractors panned

  • tedious repetition of same dialogue and story
  • stiff, mechanical line delivery
  • incoherent premise and poor cultural adaptation

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive70

bold anti-Rashomon experiment

DialogueDivisive55

witty but stiff and over-repeated

CinematographyDivisive50

poetic close-ups but sometimes visually lifeless

ActingDivisive45

mechanical line readings in German/Japanese segments

Characters35

two-dimensional, cardboard cutouts

Plot and storyDivisive30

repetitive three-part structure with diminishing returns

EndingDivisive30

satisfaction varies by segment, Tokyo praised

PacingDivisive25

tedious, feels longer than runtime

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 14 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Flirt like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something light and easy.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want things to move fast or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moods
ContemplativeCold
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
ToneThe film treats its repetitive scenario with a detached, intellectual curiosity, using stylized dialogue and formal structure.
The rideThe film maintains a detached, intellectual tone across all three segments, with sustained low intensity.
StructureThe film presents three separate segments (New York, Berlin, Tokyo) each telling the same story with different characters.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe structural repetition invites reflection on cultural and personal differences in romantic decision-making.
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).
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeThe film is an experimental triptych repeating the same scene with variations; it has no conventional plot archetype.

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 filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · 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% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · 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

Romantic love · 15% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how the same romantic dilemma plays out across cultures, highlighting universal patterns of desire and commitment.
StanceThe film uses repetition to interrogate how cultural and personal contexts shape the same romantic dilemma, maintaining a neutral, observant posture.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
ElectronicMinimal or silentSupportive music · original score
SettingThree cities, same story of romantic indecision.
MusicThe minimalist score underscores the repetitive structure.

Content guide

Is Flirt okay for kids?

R

Flirt is rated R: “Rated R for language and nudity” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (50/100), language at mild (17/100) and drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • PortugalM/16
Overall
Moderate · 4 of 5 categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (6 votes across 4 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 Flirt have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Flirt?

Cast

Bill Sage
as Bill (segment: New York, February 1993)
King Mustafa Obafemi
as Dwight (segment: Berlin, October 1994)
Miho Nikaido
as Miho (segment: Tokyo, March 1995)
Parker Posey
as Emily (segment: New York, February 1993)
Martin Donovan
as Walter (segment: New York, February 1993)
Karen Sillas
as Doctor Clint
Michael Imperioli
as Michael
Maria Schrader
as Woman at Bar (segment: Berlin, October 1994)
Peter Fitz
as Doctor (segment: Berlin, October 1994)
Masatoshi Nagase
as Hal's Assistant

Crew

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