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Seberg

Seberg

Actress. Activist. Adversary.

2019102 minRMidcredits score: 38th percentile of all films
Director
Benedict Andrews
Starring
Kristen Stewart, Jack O'Connell, Anthony Mackie, Margaret Qualley

An ambitious young FBI agent is assigned to investigate iconic actress Jean Seberg when she becomes embroiled in the tumultuous civil rights movement in late 1960s Los Angeles.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Seberg?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Seberg streaming on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Seberg?

Seberg earns 3 badges, led by Star-studded and Award Winner.

  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Seberg worth watching?

Seberg's Midcredits score is the 38th percentile of all films, from 30K ratings across 6 sources. 39% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

38th percentile

Better received than 38% of films

13th percentile among Biography38th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)40th
Approval (how many liked it)36th

59 /100

40th percentile of all films

16th percentile among Biography41st percentile among 2010s

Critics 54 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.9 — solid but not unanimous.

39% liked it

36th percentile of all films

13th percentile among Biography36th percentile among 2010s
39% rated it 7–1061% rated it 1–6

Critics 36% · Audience 49%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 6 noms overall

92nd percentile

30K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Biography92nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 17% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$47K
Domestic gross$435K
Worldwide gross$655K

30th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film boasts strong period production values and that Kristen Stewart delivers a committed performance, though they differ on whether it elevates the ordinary script.

Fans praised

  • Kristen Stewart's lead performance is praised for bringing depth and vulnerability to Jean Seberg
  • The film's production design, costumes, and period detail evoke 1960s style vividly
  • Effective depiction of FBI surveillance and the psychological toll on Seberg

Detractors panned

  • The screenplay is criticized as unfocused, failing to capture who Jean Seberg really was
  • Cinematography is called clunky and the direction mechanics feel ordinary
  • Supporting characters are underdeveloped, reducing the emotional stakes

What stands out

Atmosphere72

1960s period authenticity and FBI surveillance paranoia are well-evoked

ActingDivisive68

Stewart's performance is a focal point; fans see it as compelling, detractors as uneven

Cinematography65

Competent but sometimes clunky; production design and costumes highly praised

Emotional impactDivisive50

Stewart's scenes of torment resonate, but the film's detachment holds it back

CharactersDivisive42

Supporting roles are seen as underdrawn, with Seberg herself remaining elusive

Pacing40

Slow burn that loses momentum; missed opportunities to raise tension

Plot and storyDivisive38

Script is called unfocused, cramming too many ideas without a clear arc

Originality35

Conventional biopic structure; fails to break the genre mold

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is Seberg like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It takes its time and leaves you angry. 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

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its subject with solemn gravity, playing the tragic material straight without irony while maintaining a brooding atmosphere.
The rideThe mood builds tension throughout the investigation and becomes melancholic as the personal toll on Seberg becomes apparent.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, following Seberg's involvement with activism and the FBI's response.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Angry.

The answer rests on this: Infuriating · 4% of films: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.Haunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film exposes the injustice of state surveillance against a targeted individual, leaving the viewer angered at the abuse of power and haunted by the tragic outcome.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic 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% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • 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. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film follows Jean Seberg's persecution by the FBI, a downward spiral driven by forces beyond her control, fitting the tragedy archetype with the crushed_by_fate subtype.

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%: Romantic love 15% · 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% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · 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%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how a public figure is systematically targeted and crushed by a powerful institution for her political associations.
StanceThe film's primary stance is a warning about government overreach and the destruction of an individual's life in the name of security.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Jed Kurzel
SettingHollywood and civil rights activism in the late 1960s
MusicThe score likely underscores the period atmosphere and emotional weight.

Content guide

Is Seberg okay for kids?

R

Seberg is rated R: “Rated R for language, sexual content/nudity and some drug use” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (48/100), language at moderate (54/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (59/100) and frightening material at mild (32/100). Overall it is heavier than 14% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 10 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Hungary16
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia18+
  • Sweden15
  • UA16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 41% of all filmsHeavier than 14% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 50%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 28%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 75%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 75% of R-rated films.

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 Seberg have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Seberg?

Cast

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

Kristen Stewart
as Jean Seberg
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.
Jack O'Connell
as Jack Solomon
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.
Anthony Mackie
as Hakim Jamal
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.
Margaret Qualley
as Linette Solomon
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Zazie Beetz
as Dorothy Jamal
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Yvan Attal
as Romain Gary
Stephen Root
as Walt Breckman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Colm Meaney
as Frank Ellroy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Vince Vaughn
as Carl Kowalski
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jade Pettyjohn
as Jenny Kowalski

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Seberg?

Movies like Seberg include The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021), Loving (2016) and Call Jane (2022). Of the 12 closest matches, all are period dramas, and most are films about oppression.

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

6 of these 12 share its character type: forbidden love. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Seberg?

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: forbidden love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.