Drowning by Numbers (1988): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Name: Drowning by Numbers
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Released: 1988
Duration: 119 min
Cast: Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson, Joely Richardson, Bernard Hill, Jason Edwards

What Drowning by Numbers Is About

Cissie Colpitts drowns her cheating husband and, to cover it up, asks for help from Henry Madgett, a lonely coroner who has had a weakness for her for years. The complication is that her daughter and granddaughter carry the same name, and both decide to settle their own marital problems by exactly the same method. Three women making the same request in succession begins to wear through Madgett’s conscience. Peter Greenaway builds it over a counting game, with the numbers one to a hundred hidden throughout the film. Symmetrical, cold and unexpectedly funny.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drowning by Numbers about?

Cissie Colpitts drowns her cheating husband and, to cover it up, asks for help from Henry Madgett, a lonely coroner who has had a weakness for her for years. The complication is that her daughter and granddaughter carry the same name, and both decide to settle their own marital problems by exactly the same method.

Where can I watch Drowning by Numbers?

Drowning by Numbers is available to watch on digital platforms such as Philo, Night Flight Plus, Fandor Amazon Channel, FlixFling. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Drowning by Numbers?

Drowning by Numbers runs for 119 minutes (1h 59m).

When did Drowning by Numbers come out?

Drowning by Numbers was released in 1988.

Who directed Drowning by Numbers?

Drowning by Numbers was directed by Peter Greenaway.

Who stars in Drowning by Numbers?

Drowning by Numbers stars Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson, Joely Richardson, Bernard Hill.

What is Drowning by Numbers's rating?

Drowning by Numbers holds 7.1/10 on IMDb and 7.0/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 73 out of 100.