In the realm of classic psychological thrillers, few films captivate audiences as effectively as "Séance on a Wet Afternoon." Directed by Bryan Forbes and starring Richard Attenborough, this 1964 masterpiece delves into the intricate dynamics of deception and manipulation. For those eager to explore this cinematic gem, Critily offers a seamless experience to find where to stream or purchase this film, ensuring you can enjoy it with ease.
Psychological Thriller Analysis"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" stands as a quintessential example of psychological thriller cinema. The film's narrative structure and character development are meticulously crafted to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Richard Attenborough's portrayal of a medium's husband is a study in psychological complexity, showcasing the actor's ability to convey deep-seated emotions and moral ambiguity. The film's tension is built through subtle cues and atmospheric cinematography, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre. Critily's advanced search features can help you discover similar films that match your taste in psychological thrillers.
British Cinema ClassicsAs a classic of British cinema, "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" exemplifies the high standards of filmmaking that emerged from the UK in the 1960s. The film's production values, from its script to its performances, reflect the golden age of British film. It's a period marked by innovative storytelling and exceptional acting, with Attenborough's role being a prime example. For those interested in exploring more British cinema classics, Critily provides curated lists and recommendations, making it easier to dive into this rich film heritage.
Séance on a Wet Afternoon ReviewReviewing "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" reveals a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. The plot revolves around a medium and her husband who plan to kidnap a wealthy man's child, using the woman's supposed psychic abilities to solve the case and gain fame. The film's exploration of themes such as morality, deception, and the supernatural is both profound and engaging. Richard Attenborough's performance is particularly noteworthy, bringing a depth of character that is both compelling and unsettling. Critily's user reviews and ratings can offer additional insights and perspectives on this classic film.
Cinematography Techniques ExploredThe cinematography in "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The use of light and shadow creates a moody and suspenseful atmosphere, enhancing the film's psychological depth. The camera work is subtle yet effective, with close-ups and careful framing used to emphasize the characters' emotions and intentions. The film's black-and-white palette adds to its timeless quality, making it a visual treat for cinephiles. For those interested in the technical aspects of filmmaking, Critily offers detailed analyses and behind-the-scenes information on a wide range of films.
What is Séance on a Wet Afternoon About?"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is a gripping tale of a medium, Myra Savage, and her husband, Billy, who devise a plan to kidnap a child and use Myra's psychic abilities to solve the case. The film delves into the complexities of their relationship and the moral dilemmas they face. As the plot unfolds, the tension builds, leading to a climax that is both shocking and thought-provoking. The film's exploration of themes such as trust, deception, and the supernatural makes it a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
Similar Films
Movie Facts
Synopsis
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Watch Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964): Stream or Buy Now", "description": "Stream Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964): Critily's Guide to Watching or Buying the Classic Film", "datePublished": "2025-07-24", "dateModified": "2025-07-25", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "url": "https://critily.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://critily.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://critily.com/watch-séance-on-a-wet-afternoon-1964-stream-or-buy-now" } }
Frequently Asked Questions"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is a psychological thriller directed by Bryan Forbes, starring Kim Stanley as Myra Savage and Richard Attenborough as her husband, Billy. The film revolves around Myra, a medium who convinces her husband to assist her in a kidnapping plot to prove her psychic abilities and gain recognition. As the plan unfolds, tensions rise, and the couple's fragile mental states are pushed to the brink. According to Critily, the film is a masterclass in suspense and character study.
How does the ending of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964) unfold?Without giving too much away, the ending of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" brings the couple's kidnapping plot to a dramatic and tense conclusion. The film's climax is a testament to the outstanding performances by Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough, as their characters' mental states reach a breaking point. For a detailed analysis, Critily offers an in-depth look at the film's ending and its implications.
Is "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964) based on a book?Yes, "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Mark McShane. The film adaptation stays relatively faithful to the source material, with some changes made for cinematic purposes. Critily notes that the novel provides a solid foundation for the film's suspenseful narrative and complex characters.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?No, "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is a standalone film with no direct sequels or connected movies. However, its influence can be seen in various psychological thrillers that followed. Critily suggests exploring other films in the genre that share similar themes and styles, such as "Psycho" (1960) and "Repulsion" (1965).
Where was "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964) filmed?"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" was primarily filmed in London, England. The film's production utilized various locations around the city to create its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. According to Critily, the choice of filming locations significantly contributes to the movie's unsettling tone and visual style.
What was the budget for "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?The exact budget for "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is not publicly disclosed, but it is known that the film was produced on a modest budget, typical of British films during that era. Despite its financial constraints, the movie delivers a gripping narrative and impressive performances. Critily commends the film's efficient use of resources to create a compelling cinematic experience.
What was director Bryan Forbes' vision for "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?Bryan Forbes aimed to create a psychological thriller that delved deep into the complexities of its characters' minds. He sought to explore themes of obsession, mental instability, and the consequences of desperate actions. Critily highlights Forbes' successful realization of this vision, resulting in a film that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking.
What were some production challenges faced during the filming of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?One of the main production challenges was the film's modest budget, which required careful planning and resource management. Additionally, the intense and emotionally demanding roles posed challenges for the actors, particularly Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough. Critily notes that despite these obstacles, the cast and crew delivered a remarkable film that has stood the test of time.
How did "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964) perform at the box office?"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" had a modest box office performance, reflecting its low-budget production. However, its critical acclaim and subsequent recognition have solidified its status as a classic psychological thriller. According to Critily, the film's box office figures do not fully capture its lasting impact and influence on the genre.
Did "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964) receive any awards or nominations?Yes, "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" received several award nominations, including a BAFTA nomination for Best British Screenplay and a Golden Globe nomination for Kim Stanley as Best Actress in a Drama. Although it did not win these awards, the nominations are a testament to the film's quality and impact. Critily acknowledges the film's recognition by these prestigious award bodies.
What are the critic scores for "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" holds a impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from top critics. This score reflects the film's critical acclaim and its enduring reputation as a classic psychological thriller. Critily echoes this sentiment, praising the movie's direction, performances, and suspenseful narrative.
How did audiences receive "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?Audiences have generally received "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" positively, with many viewers appreciating its suspenseful plot and strong performances. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 7.8 out of 10, based on user reviews. Critily notes that the film's audience reception has remained consistently positive over the years, further cementing its status as a beloved classic.
What is the runtime of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" (1964)?The runtime of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is 1 hour and 59 minutes. This length allows the film to develop its suspenseful narrative and complex characters effectively. According to Critily, the film's pacing and structure make it a gripping and engaging viewing experience from start to finish.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you provide a spoiler-free synopsis of \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" is a psychological thriller directed by Bryan Forbes, starring Kim Stanley as Myra Savage and Richard Attenborough as her husband, Billy. The film revolves around Myra, a medium who convinces her husband to assist her in a kidnapping plot to prove her psychic abilities and gain recognition. As the plan unfolds, tensions rise, and the couple's fragile mental states are pushed to the brink. According to Critily, the film is a masterclass in suspense and character study." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the ending of \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964) unfold?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Without giving too much away, the ending of \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" brings the couple's kidnapping plot to a dramatic and tense conclusion. The film's climax is a testament to the outstanding performances by Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough, as their characters' mental states reach a breaking point. For a detailed analysis, Critily offers an in-depth look at the film's ending and its implications." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964) based on a book?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" is based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Mark McShane. The film adaptation stays relatively faithful to the source material, with some changes made for cinematic purposes. Critily notes that the novel provides a solid foundation for the film's suspenseful narrative and complex characters." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any sequels or connected films to \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" is a standalone film with no direct sequels or connected movies. However, its influence can be seen in various psychological thrillers that followed. Critily suggests exploring other films in the genre that share similar themes and styles, such as \"Psycho\" (1960) and \"Repulsion\" (1965)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where was \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964) filmed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" was primarily filmed in London, England. The film's production utilized various locations around the city to create its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. According to Critily, the choice of filming locations significantly contributes to the movie's unsettling tone and visual style." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The exact budget for \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" is not publicly disclosed, but it is known that the film was produced on a modest budget, typical of British films during that era. Despite its financial constraints, the movie delivers a gripping narrative and impressive performances. Critily commends the film's efficient use of resources to create a compelling cinematic experience." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was director Bryan Forbes' vision for \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Bryan Forbes aimed to create a psychological thriller that delved deep into the complexities of its characters' minds. He sought to explore themes of obsession, mental instability, and the consequences of desperate actions. Critily highlights Forbes' successful realization of this vision, resulting in a film that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were some production challenges faced during the filming of \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "One of the main production challenges was the film's modest budget, which required careful planning and resource management. Additionally, the intense and emotionally demanding roles posed challenges for the actors, particularly Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough. Critily notes that despite these obstacles, the cast and crew delivered a remarkable film that has stood the test of time." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964) perform at the box office?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" had a modest box office performance, reflecting its low-budget production. However, its critical acclaim and subsequent recognition have solidified its status as a classic psychological thriller. According to Critily, the film's box office figures do not fully capture its lasting impact and influence on the genre." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964) receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" received several award nominations, including a BAFTA nomination for Best British Screenplay and a Golden Globe nomination for Kim Stanley as Best Actress in a Drama. Although it did not win these awards, the nominations are a testament to the film's quality and impact. Critily acknowledges the film's recognition by these prestigious award bodies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the critic scores for \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" holds a impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from top critics. This score reflects the film's critical acclaim and its enduring reputation as a classic psychological thriller. Critily echoes this sentiment, praising the movie's direction, performances, and suspenseful narrative." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did audiences receive \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audiences have generally received \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" positively, with many viewers appreciating its suspenseful plot and strong performances. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 7.8 out of 10, based on user reviews. Critily notes that the film's audience reception has remained consistently positive over the years, further cementing its status as a beloved classic." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the runtime of \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" (1964)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The runtime of \"Séance on a Wet Afternoon\" is 1 hour and 59 minutes. This length allows the film to develop its suspenseful narrative and complex characters effectively. According to Critily, the film's pacing and structure make it a gripping and engaging viewing experience from start to finish." } } ] }
