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Bernard and Doris

Bernard and Doris

2006102 minTV-14Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all films
Director
Bob Balaban
Starring
Susan Sarandon, Ralph Fiennes, Peter Asher, Don Harvey

Tobacco heiress Doris Duke develops an unlikely friendship with her butler, Bernard Lafferty.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Bernard and Doris?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Bernard and Doris streaming on HBO Max 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 Bernard and Doris?

Bernard and Doris earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Bernard and Doris worth watching?

Bernard and Doris' Midcredits score is the 57th percentile of all films, from 7.5K ratings across 4 sources. 55% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

57th percentile

Better received than 57% of films

33rd percentile among Biography55th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)54th
Approval (how many liked it)59th

63 /100

54th percentile of all films

31st percentile among Biography54th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.6 — solid but not unanimous.

55% liked it

59th percentile of all films

35th percentile among Biography57th percentile among 2000s
55% rated it 7–1045% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 33 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Reach

How many have seen it

79th percentile

7.5K ratings across platforms

58th percentile among Biography71st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 8% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A quiet character study centered on two troubled people, one rich and one subservient, whose odd bond drives the story.

Fans praised

  • two lead performances bring out character nuance and chemistry
  • scripted dialogue feels like a duel of wits between mismatched souls
  • subtle, quiet storytelling with moments of tenderness and dark humor

Detractors panned

  • inaccurate and sanitized portrayal of real people reduces complexity to farce
  • eventless pacing and lack of dramatic stakes make the film feel flat
  • Sarandon miscast as too young and healthy for the role

What stands out

Acting85

both leads praised as compelling, nuanced; detractors note Sarandon miscast but still good

Dialogue70

exquisite, duel-like exchanges between the two leads

CharactersDivisive65

portrayed as complex and sympathetic by fans; detractors call them dull or inaccurate

Emotional impactDivisive60

fans find it tender and moving; detractors feel no engagement

OriginalityDivisive40

derivative of similar rich-person-servant dramas; little fresh perspective

PacingDivisive35

quiet and slow to the point of boredom for some; fans appreciate the space

Plot and storyDivisive30

eventless, lacking dramatic stakes or climax; fans see as intentionally subdued

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Bernard and Doris like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Quiet and reflective: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in a patient, quiet mood.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Quiet and reflective.

Moods
BittersweetWarmMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its characters with a gentle, observant eye, balancing their flaws with warmth and without harsh judgment.
The rideThe mood is gently bittersweet with warm moments, building to a heavier emotional weight during the later stages of Doris's decline.
StructureThe story is told in a straightforward chronological manner, following the rise and fall of the relationship between the two leads.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering sense of the tenderness and imperfection of their bond, tinged with the sadness of its end.
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).Rebirth
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% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film follows the unlikely friendship between a butler and his employer, with Bernard's struggle with alcoholism and his chance to rebuild his life being a central thread.

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

Friendship · 9% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Grief · 6% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the improbable friendship between a wealthy recluse and her butler, with undertones of personal redemption and the loneliness of aging.
StanceThe film takes a sympathetic, observational stance toward its primary theme of friendship, showing the bond without strong celebration or critique.

The world

Late 20th centuryDomesticRuralRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Alex Wurman
Settingtwilight years of a tobacco heiress in her New Jersey estate
MusicThe score underscores the elegiac and tender character of the relationship.

Content guide

Is Bernard and Doris okay for kids?

TV-14

Bernard and Doris is rated TV-14. As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • Germany12
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands12
  • RO15
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (12 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 Bernard and Doris have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Bernard and Doris?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Susan Sarandon
as Doris Duke
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a MovieTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ralph Fiennes
as Bernard Lafferty
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.
Peter Asher
as First Butler
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Don Harvey
as Security Guard
Chris Bauer
as Chef
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Monique Gabriela Curnen
as Paloma
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Marilyn Torres
as Nancy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nick Rolfe
as Ben
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
James Rebhorn
as Waldo Taft
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Dominick Dunne
as Board Member
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 Bernard and Doris?

Movies like Bernard and Doris include The Wackness (2008), Junebug (2005) and Moonlight Mile (2002). Two are stories about mentors and protégés; all three are films that feel warm.

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Bernard and Doris?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: aging hero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.