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Passion Fish

Passion Fish

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a place where you can begin again?

1992135 minRMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all films
Director
John Sayles
Starring
Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodard, Vondie Curtis-Hall, David Strathairn

After an accident leaves her a paraplegic, a former soap opera star struggles to recover both emotionally and mentally, until she meets her newest nurse, who has struggles of her own.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Passion Fish?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Passion Fish streaming on Pluto TV (free), The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Passion Fish?

Passion Fish earns 8 badges, led by Top 10% in Drama and Top 10% of the 1990s.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Passion Fish worth watching?

Passion Fish's Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all films, from 11K ratings across 4 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

89th percentile

Better received than 89% of films

91st percentile among Drama90th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)86th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

72 /100

86th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Drama89th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.5 — solid but not unanimous.

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Drama90th percentile among 1990s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 82%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 11 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actress in a Leading Role
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

80th percentile

11K ratings across platforms

83rd percentile among Drama74th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 68% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$3.3M
Opening weekend$14K
Domestic gross$4.8M
Worldwide gross$4.8M

Returned 1.4× its budget — 78th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slow-burn character study about two women from different backgrounds forming an unlikely bond in the Louisiana bayou.

Fans praised

  • Two richly developed female leads with palpable chemistry
  • Authentic Louisiana atmosphere and Cajun cultural detail
  • Screenplay avoids sentimentality despite heavy premise

Detractors panned

  • Meandering, overlong runtime with dull patches
  • Occasionally stilted or on-the-nose dialogue

What stands out

Acting85

McDonnell and Woodard both Oscar-caliber, Strathairn's authentic Cajun

Atmosphere85

Immersive Louisiana bayou setting, strong sense of place

Characters80

Believably flawed, gradually revealed backstories

Emotional impact80

Genuinely moving without being maudlin

Dialogue75

Witty and natural, but some forced monologues

Cinematography75

Deakins captures bayou beauty, subtle and evocative

Plot and story65

Thin story, meandering structure, relies on character

Pacing50

Slow and deliberate, too long for some viewers

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Passion Fish like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. 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

Feel-good.

Moods
ContemplativeBittersweetHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Dry humor
Register
WarmSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters' struggles with quiet seriousness, never mocking or melodramatic, letting the emotional weight emerge naturally.
The rideThe film maintains a steady, reflective emotional tone with moments of tension that gradually brighten.
StructureEvents unfold in chronological order, following the gradual change in the relationship between May-Alice and Chantelle.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe resolution leaves a quiet optimism about both women's futures, tempered by the costs of their pasts and the fragility of their arrangement.
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).RebirthHealing
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% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe story follows May-Alice's slow recovery from paralysis and bitterness, moving from self-destruction toward acceptance and new purpose, a healing arc. Coming of age tags the emotional maturation of both women.

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 filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Friendship · 9% 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 themeBoth women search for a reason to go on after devastating setbacks, and find it in their growing bond.
StanceThe film neither celebrates nor condemns; it watches two women find their way toward each other without passing judgment.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticRealistic
FolkOrchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Mason Daring
Settinga decaying Louisiana home with bayou surroundings
MusicA gentle, acoustic score that underscores the bayou atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Passion Fish okay for kids?

R

Passion Fish is rated R: “Rated R for language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at moderate (58/100) and drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • Germany12
Overall
Moderate · 4 of 5 categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (23 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 Passion Fish have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Passion Fish?

Cast

Mary McDonnell
as May-Alice
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actress in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alfre Woodard
as Chantelle
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Vondie Curtis-Hall
as Sugar
David Strathairn
as Rennie
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Leo Burmester
as Reeves
Nora Dunn
as Ti-Marie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mary Portser
as Precious
Angela Bassett
as Rhonda
newcomer then · star now
Sheila Kelley
as Kim
Nancy Mette
as Nina
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

Directed by

John Sayles

Written by

John Sayles

Cinematography

Roger Deakins

Edited by

John Sayles

Music by

Mason Daring

Produced by

Sarah GreenJohn SlossMaggie Renzi

More like this

What are movies like Passion Fish?

Movies like Passion Fish include Sling Blade (1996), The Yellow Handkerchief (2008) and Minari (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, several are chamber dramas, and half are films set in the rural American South.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: farming country. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Passion Fish?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: caretaker and dependent. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.