Is Elective Affinities Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Elective Affinities is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Elective Affinities Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1983, Elective Affinities enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on On the outskirts of Weimar, Edouard and Charlotte, an aristocratic couple united after both becoming widows, invite two guests to their home: a childhood friend of Edouard's called the Captain, and despite Charlotte's ominous premonition, Ottilie, Charlotte's beautiful and orphaned niece. Under the direction of Claude Chabrol, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Helmut Griem, Stéphane Audran, Michael Degen. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Elective Affinities offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Elective Affinities is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, TV Movie, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Elective Affinities
- Helmut Griem – Edouard Otto
- Stéphane Audran – Charlotte
- Michael Degen – Hauptmann Otto
- Pascale Reynaud – Ottilie
- Raoul Schránil – Kammerdiener
Top Highlights
Helmut GriemEdouard Otto
Stéphane AudranCharlotte
Michael DegenHauptmann Otto
Pascale ReynaudOttilie
Raoul SchránilKammerdiener
Květa FialováBaronin
Josef LangmilerHerr Mittler
Svatopluk BenešGraf
Jarmila SvelovaNanny
Stanislav HájekGärtner
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Elective Affinities stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1983 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elective Affinities movie hit or flop?
Elective Affinities has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Elective Affinities worth watching?
Elective Affinities is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Elective Affinities?
Elective Affinities is a Drama, TV Movie movie that On the outskirts of Weimar, Edouard and Charlotte, an aristocratic couple united after both becoming widows, invite two guests to their home: a childh...
