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Jack & Diane

Jack & Diane

Love is a monster.

2012105 minRMidcredits score: 11th percentile of all films
Director
Bradley Rust Gray
Starring
Juno Temple, Riley Keough, Kylie Minogue, Cara Seymour

The romance between two teenage girls quickly manifests as terrifying, violent and inexplicable.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Jack & Diane?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Jack & Diane streaming on Prime Video and The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Jack & Diane?

Jack & Diane earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Before they were famous.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Jack & Diane worth watching?

Jack & Diane's Midcredits score is the 11th percentile of all films, from 6.6K ratings across 6 sources. 24% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

11th percentile

Better received than 11% of films

7th percentile among Drama11th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)11th
Approval (how many liked it)14th

47 /100

11th percentile of all films

8th percentile among Drama13th percentile among 2010s

Critics 45 · Audience 47

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

24% liked it

14th percentile of all films

9th percentile among Drama14th percentile among 2010s
24% rated it 7–1076% rated it 1–6

Critics 15% · Audience 21%

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

Awards

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

Reach

How many have seen it

66th percentile

6.6K ratings across platforms

69th percentile among Drama70th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 16% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$294
Domestic gross$1.1K
Worldwide gross$1.1K

3rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film has strong leads and interesting chemistry but is undermined by a weak, unfocused script.

Fans praised

  • Chemistry and believability of the lead pair
  • Well-developed characters with fleshed-out arcs
  • Musical score and unique animation add to the tone

Detractors panned

  • Weak, forced script with poor dialogue
  • Lack of character development and plot coherence
  • Bizarre, slow pacing with intrusive music and sound issues

What stands out

Acting75

Lead performances praised for chemistry and believability despite weak material

Originality60

Unique genre blend but seen as derivative or unfocused

CharactersDivisive40

Criticized for lack of development; fans see them as fleshed-out with off-screen depth

Sound and musicDivisive40

Music praised by some but criticized as intrusive by others

Emotional impactDivisive40

Fans felt a connection; detractors didn't care about the characters

Plot and storyDivisive30

Seen as nonexistent or incoherent; some found it a slow character study

Pacing30

Slow burn, but some felt it was deliberate and meditative

Dialogue25

Widely panned as woeful, dull, and uninteresting

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Jack & Diane like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It takes its time, swings between moods and leaves you bittersweet. 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, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticDreadBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
Dreamlike · 2% of films: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film treats its surreal and emotional material with earnestness, but the odd, dreamlike execution keeps it at a slight distance.
The rideThe film alternates between tender romantic moments and surreal, tense horror sequences, building toward an emotional farewell and a wistful coda.
StructureOpens with a vision of Diane's transformation before jumping back to show how the relationship began, creating a nonlinear reveal.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's odd mix of romance and grotesque metaphor leaves a lingering, melancholy impression.
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).Tragedy
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% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% (this title) · 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%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Doomed love: Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).

9% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film centers on a doomed teenage romance, with Diane's werewolf-like visions serving as metaphor for her sexual awakening and the intense, brief relationship.

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% (this title) · 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% · 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 filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the intense, fleeting romance between two teenage girls and how it forces each to confront who they are and what they fear.
StanceThe film treats its central romance with earnest tenderness, affirming the value of young love even as it acknowledges pain and loss.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalMagical realism
AmbientOrchestral modernForeground music · original score · Múm
SettingNew York City streets, apartments, nightclubs, and a hotel swimming pool in summer
MusicThe score by Icelandic band Múm is heavily ambient and electronic, often dominating scenes to create a dreamy, melancholic atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Jack & Diane okay for kids?

R

Jack & Diane is rated R: “Rated R for strong sexual content including nudity and an assault, bloody violence, language and drinking - all involving teens” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (43/100), sexual content at moderate (54/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • CanadaR
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (44 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 Jack & Diane have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Jack & Diane?

Cast

Juno Temple
as Diane
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Riley Keough
as Jack
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Kylie Minogue
as Tara
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Cara Seymour
as Aunt Linda
Lou Taylor Pucci
as Tom
Dane DeHaan
as Chris
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Michael Chernus
as Jaimie
Neal Huff
as Jerry
Jen Ponton
as Stacy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Haviland Morris
as Jack's Mom

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Jack & Diane?

Movies like Jack & Diane include Mood Indigo (2013), Autumn in New York (2000) and Comet (2014). Of the 5 closest matches, two are magical-realist films, and two are whirlwind romances.

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Jack & Diane?

4.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: whirlwind romance. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.