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Human Capital

Human Capital

Every life has a price.

201998 minMidcredits score: 41st percentile of all films
Director
Marc Meyers
Starring
Liev Schreiber, Marisa Tomei, Peter Sarsgaard, Maya Hawke

Ian begins a relationship with Drew's daughter, who works in the financial sector. The couple gets involved in a tragic accident that will change their lives forever. At the same time, the accident has a major impact on both their families who, despite the class difference, cross paths.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Human Capital?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Human Capital streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Human Capital?

Human Capital earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Preferred by US Viewers.

Reception

Is Human Capital worth watching?

Human Capital's Midcredits score is the 41st percentile of all films, from 9.7K ratings across 2 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

41st percentile

Better received than 41% of films

38th percentile among Drama42nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

57 /100

34th percentile of all films

30th percentile among Drama36th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama49th percentile among 2010s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

9.5K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Drama87th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 36% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$4.3K
Domestic gross$6.6K
Worldwide gross$6.6K

10th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film features a strong cast but is let down by a disjointed, slow-moving story with a weak resolution.

Fans praised

  • compelling Rashomon-style storytelling from shifting perspectives
  • strong ensemble cast with standout performances by Maya Hawke and Marisa Tomei
  • gripping character-driven drama with layered moral complexity

Detractors panned

  • convoluted fragmented narrative with jarring time jumps
  • unsatisfying payoff after tedious buildup
  • shallow characters and a plot that goes nowhere

What stands out

ActingDivisive62

cast praised as stellar but many criticize wasted talent

CharactersDivisive32

dull, unsympathetic, poorly developed

Plot and storyDivisive28

fragmented, meandering, no clear arc or climax

Emotional impactDivisive28

fails to engage emotionally

PacingDivisive20

very slow, tediously drawn-out

EndingDivisive18

unsatisfying, anticlimactic, pointless

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 18 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 31 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Human Capital 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 bittersweet. 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
TenseMelancholicDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its tragic premise straight, with a serious and brooding register.
The rideThe build-up to the accident drives tension and dread, with the aftermath deepening the melancholic and intense mood.
StructureThe synopsis suggests a conventional narrative following the accident and its aftermath.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe tragic accident leaves a lingering sense of loss and unease.
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).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 archetypeTwo families collide when their children's relationship ends in a tragic accident, suggesting a story of forces beyond control leading to a fall.

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 filmsSelfClassPower
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% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% (this title) · Redemption 6% · 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%

Power

Class · 3% of filmsGrief · 6% of filmsGuilt · 3% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeClass divides between two families set the stage for tragedy, while grief and guilt arise from the accident.
StanceThe film mourns how class divides and a single accident can reverberate across a community.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Marcelo Zarvos
SettingA small American town where affluent and struggling families intertwine.

Content guide

Is Human Capital okay for kids?

As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (40/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at intense (76/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Brazil16
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia16+
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 57% of all films
Profanity
Intense
heavier than 81% of all films
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (61 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 Human Capital have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Human Capital?

Cast

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

Liev Schreiber
as Drew Hagel
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.
Marisa Tomei
as Carrie Manning
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 Sarsgaard
as Quint Manning
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.
Maya Hawke
as Shannon Hagel
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Alex Wolff
as Ian Warfield
Betty Gabriel
as Ronnie Hagel
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Aasif Mandvi
as Godeep
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Paul Sparks
as Jon
Fred Hechinger
as Jamie Manning
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
John Ventimiglia
as David
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

Directed by

Marc Meyers

Written by

Oren MovermanStephen Amidon

Cinematography

Kat Westergaard

Edited by

Alex HallTariq Anwar

Music by

Marcelo Zarvos

Produced by

Henry Wu, Jenny Halper, DJ Dodd, Janek Ambros, Mike Sobiloff, Stephen Mao
+39 more, Jody Girgenti, Tate Heilpern, Brian LaMacchia, Liev Schreiber, Cathleen Ihasz, Ash Avildsen, Peter Sobiloff, Michael Roccio, Rob Simmons, John Sylva, Nic Marshall, Celine Rattray, Ali K. Rizvi, Henri Fink, Stefan Sonnenfeld, A.D. Oppenheim, Ged Dickersin, Hal Kessler, Cassandra Hamar Thornton, Daniel Lief, Nicole Ihasz, Jacqui Lewis, Voula Wolf Duval, Bert Marcus, Sam Blumenfeld, Daniel Campos Pavoncelli, Dov Mamann, Marco Cohen, Gaia Melikian, Matthew Stillman, Jon L. Wanzek, M. Shawn Lawler, Lawrence Smith, Miriam Elchanan, Hardy Justice, Oren Moverman, Joanna Plafsky, Fabrizio Donvito, Trudie Styler

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Movies like Human Capital include Human Capital (2013), The Dinner (2017) and Married Life (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Oren Moverman, and most are psychological thrillers.

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

10 of these 12 share its feel: brooding. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Human Capital?

5.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: psychological thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.