Skip to content
MovieCove
13 Tzameti

13 Tzameti

200593 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all films
Director
Gela Babluani
Starring
George Babluani, Aurélien Recoing, Pascal Bongard, Fred Ulysse

Sebastian, a young man, has decided to follow instructions intended for someone else, without knowing where they will take him. Something else he does not know is that Gerard Dorez, a cop on a knife-edge, is tailing him. When he reaches his destination, Sebastian falls into a degenerate, clandestine world of mental chaos behind closed doors in which men gamble on the lives of others men.

Where to watch

Where can I watch 13 Tzameti?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists 13 Tzameti streaming on MUBI.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about 13 Tzameti?

13 Tzameti earns 6 badges, led by Top 10% in Crime and Nail-biter.

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

Reception

Is 13 Tzameti worth watching?

13 Tzameti's Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all films, from 28K ratings across 6 sources. 81% 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 Crime88th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)91st

72 /100

84th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Crime83rd percentile among 2000s

Critics 61 · Audience 73

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

81% liked it

91st percentile of all films

91st percentile among Crime91st percentile among 2000s
81% rated it 7–1019% rated it 1–6

Critics 83% · Audience 85%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 5 wins / 4 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

85th percentile

28K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Crime78th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 39% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$11K
Domestic gross$121K
Worldwide gross$795K

48th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A minimalist, black-and-white thriller about a desperate man drawn into a deadly gambling game.

Fans praised

  • relentless tension in the Russian roulette centerpiece
  • stark black-and-white cinematography enhances the bleak atmosphere
  • minimalist storytelling with raw, documentary-like realism

Detractors panned

  • thin character development and unconvincing motivations
  • slow, meandering setup with a predictable outcome
  • premise stretched thin beyond a strong central idea

What stands out

TensionDivisive85

unbearable suspense during the game sequences

AtmosphereDivisive85

bleak, oppressive, dreamlike nightmare

CinematographyDivisive80

stark black-and-white widescreen, noir-inspired visuals

Plot and storyDivisive55

simple, concept-driven story with predictable arc and weak setup

ActingDivisive50

lead conveys fear but overall performances range from adequate to wooden

OriginalityDivisive50

derivative of Deer Hunter and Intacto but with a fresh French-Georgian twist

PacingDivisive45

slow first half, gripping middle, flat ending

Characters30

minimal backstory, opaque motivations, two-dimensional

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is 13 Tzameti 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 is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDread
Heaviest: middle
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsCold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its grim subject matter with a stark, unadorned black-and-white realism, never winking or undercutting its own tension.
The rideThe film sustains a relentless, nerve-wracking tension as Sebastian is forced into the deadly game, with the most intense stretch occurring during the multiple rounds of Russian roulette.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically as Sebastian discovers the nature of the deadly game.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's minimalist depiction of extreme violence and moral degradation lingers, leaving the viewer disturbed and haunted by the experience.
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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Survival ordeal: Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).

4% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeSebastian inadvertently replaces his employer in a deadly underground gambling ring where men play Russian roulette; the story follows his struggle to survive and escape.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
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% · 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% (this title) · 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% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · 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%

Survival

SurvivalGreed · 3% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film depicts a young man's desperate fight for survival after being thrust into a brutal game driven by wealth and perverse entertainment.
StanceThe film follows Sebastian's descent into a ruthless game, taking a cold, observational stance that nonetheless serves as a warning about the lengths people go for money.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Minimal or silentBackground music · original score
SettingA contemporary French city and the clandestine gambling den where men play Russian roulette.
MusicThe score is sparse and atmospheric, adding to the tension.

Content guide

Is 13 Tzameti okay for kids?

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • Germany18
  • France16
  • Switzerland18

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does 13 Tzameti have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in 13 Tzameti?

Cast

George Babluani
as Sébastien
Aurélien Recoing
as Jacky
Pascal Bongard
as Le maître de cérémonie
Fred Ulysse
as Alain
Nicolas Pignon
as Le parrain
Vania Vilers
as Mr. Schlondorff
Christophe Vandevelde
as Ludo
Olga Legrand
as Mme Godon
Augustin Legrand
as José
Jo Prestia
as Pierre Bléreau

Crew

Directed by

Gela Babluani

Written by

Gela Babluani

Edited by

Didier Lozahic

Produced by

Gela Babluani

More like this

What are movies like 13 Tzameti?

Movies like 13 Tzameti include 13 (2010), Pressure (2015) and Sorcerer (1977). Of the 12 closest matches, all are survival thrillers, and most are films that feel bleak.

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

9 of these 12 share its story type: survival ordeal. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with 13 Tzameti?

335 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: death game. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.