Paddleton

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2:00

Paddleton

2019

1h 29m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

An unlikely friendship between two misfit neighbors becomes an unexpected emotional journey when the younger man is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

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Critics Consensus

It takes its time coming together, but the quietly effective Paddleton pulls off a tricky tonal balancing act, thanks largely to the strengths of its well-chosen leads.

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Karen Han

Polygon

02/25/2019

Whatever may feel annoying or disingenuous about Paddleton is trumped by the emotional honesty of its ending, and the remarkable tenderness of Romano's work.

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David Edelstein

New York Magazine/Vulture

02/22/2019

To get a sense of how excruciating the first hour is, you need to imagine Dumb and Dumber played for tears instead of laughs.

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Kyle Turner

New York Times

02/22/2019

Previous writing-directing work by Duplass with his brother, Jay ("Jeff Who Lives at Home"), could be quietly devastating. "Paddleton" is mostly just quiet.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/24/2022

4.5/5

The film’s early playfulness all but disappears in its final 20 minutes as “Paddleton” blindsided us with an emotionally earnest and deeply affecting ending.

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José de Jesús Chávez Martínez

EscribiendoCine

05/25/2022

Half-road movie and half-comedy that visually unfolds with a good dose of cinéma vérité... [Full review in Spanish]

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Natasha Alvar

MovieBabble

03/07/2021

B+

The thing is, you think you are ready for it, since the whole movie has been building up to this moment, but when it happens you find yourself untethered - at peace with Michael's decision yet shattered that this is where we end up.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom 2d

Paddleton is a quiet, heartfelt Netflix film that comes very close to being a 10/10. What makes it stand out is its honesty and simplicity, telling a deeply human story with a gentle, understated style that feels very real. The film works because of its strong performances and natural chemistry, especially in the way it balances humor, sadness, and friendship without ever feeling forced. It takes an emotional subject and handles it with sincerity, warmth, and just enough wit to keep it from becoming overwhelming. There is no need for big flashy moments here. The power comes from the characters, the dialogue, and the emotional weight behind every scene. It is the kind of movie that stays with you after it ends. Overall, Paddleton is a touching and beautifully acted film that earns a very strong 9/10, and is just one step away from being perfect.

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Pamela M

@RT97100360 Jun 13

I have yet to see a movie that so affected me and how I see the end of life. It is funny and endearing. It is the human struggle.

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Nico F

@RT42155771 03/25/2025

This movie was such a nice, down to earth, movie. It is slow paced and quiet, but it truly reached deep in my heart. It touches on such a taboo subject, and the lives of these regular, day to day men, who don't really have anyone else. It was truly a beautiful movie. If you need to cry, this one's for you.

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Leo P

@RT22311026 03/25/2025

I watched this movie on mushrooms like 5-6 years ago and I swear I have thought about it once a week since I’ve watched it. This was like sadistically sad and I think it’s pretty messed up that it being funny too made it sadder. I’m not sure if the mushrooms engrained it into my head or something but yeah I’d recommend it

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Daniel B

@observor 01/01/2025

I have absolutely no idea what the point of this movie is. Apparently to show someone killing themselves, as entertainment? As dumb as the characters in it.

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Jonah K

@RT99883862 07/31/2024

oddly comforting, considering the subject matter.

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Alex Lehmann

Director

Mark Duplass

Michael

Ray Romano

Andy

Marguerite Moreau

Kiersten

Christine Woods

Doctor Hagen

Alexandra Billings

Judy

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Paddleton: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

An unlikely friendship between two misfit neighbors becomes an unexpected emotional journey when the younger man is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Director: Alex Lehmann
Producer: Sean Bradley, Alana Carithers, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Mel Eslyn
Screenwriter: Mark Duplass, Alex Lehmann
Production Co: Duplass Brothers Productions
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 22, 2019
Runtime: 1h 29m